Three Minutes Across the Counter with Michelle Capobianco

“Three Minutes Across the Counter” is a new feature on Patch in which we chat with local business owners. If you would like to be featured, email adina@patch.com with the name of your business.

Today we chat with Michelle Capobianco, the owner of Majella Home Cooking, a catering company. Capobianco is serving up light fare at Palm Court Cafe, which is open through November at the Design Showhouse at Hempstead House at Sands Point Preserve. Find out what she has to say about running her own business.

Patch: How did you get your first start in business?

Michelle Capobianco: This is what I call my “second-chance” career. I practiced corporate and securities law for nearly 10 years. I worked long hours and wasn’t at all fulfilled by my work. My escape was cooking and exploring regional Italian food. I decided to quit my job to stay home with my kids when I became pregnant with my third son. During that time I began to seriously think about getting into the food business. One day, on the playground, I had a “now-or-never moment” and later that evening, I sent an email out to my entire contact list announcing that I was launching a catering business! I also think my upbringing had a lot to do with it. My parents were born in Italy and like so many Italian-Americans, I think cooking may very well be in my blood. We have a family home in Abruzzo, which is two hours east of Rome, right at the foot of a majestic mountain called La Majella (hence, the name of business, Majella Home Cooking) and I’ve have spent a lot of time honing my cooking skills and knowledge there.

Patch: How did your parents influence you as a business owner?

Michelle Capobianco: My parents are Italian immigrants and instilled in me a strong work ethic and determination to make my own way. Although I think they were initially disappointed when I decided to stop practicing law, they’ve seen how much my new career fulfills me and have since become my biggest supporters. They also both happen to be incredibly accomplished cooks so I’ve learned plenty from them about their respective regional Italian culinary traditions.

Patch: How long have you lived here?

Michelle Capobianco: I moved to Port with my husband and three sons (ages 5, 7 and 9) last May.

Patch: What’s your favorite thing about living here?

Michelle Capobianco: I love the entrepreneurial spirit that exists in Port, especially among women and mothers. I meet smart and interesting people who are pursing what they love on a daily basis. It’s inspiring and pushes me to keep pursuing new challenges and opportunities.

Patch: What’s a business mistake you’ve made that later you were glad you did?

Michelle Capobianco: When I first started my business, I was presented with a business opportunity I simply wasn’t ready for. I spent a lot of time beating myself up for being too afraid or lacking confidence, but I’ve since learned that you have to be self-aware and know your limits. Although I rarely shy away from a challenge, I also want to put myself in situations in which I will be successful and sometimes that means turning down a job that doesn’t feel right,

Patch: Tell us something about yourself that most of your neighbors don’t know.

Michelle Capobianco: One day, when my kids are grown up and out of school, I’m packing up and moving to Italy!

Patch: What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received?

Michelle Capobianco: Do what you love. It’s simple and may seem cliché, but running your own business takes a lot of time, energy and hard work so you better love it or you may as well go back to practicing law! (Well, at least in my case!)

Patch: What advice would you give to a small business owner just starting out?

Michelle Capobianco: Don’t underestimate the power of “passa parola” – word of mouth – as they say in Italian. Each and every new and exciting opportunity that has come my way thus far has been through some sort some sort of grassroots action and occurrence. Asking your friends and neighbors to spread the word is the best way to get your name out there.

Patch: What do you look for when you hire?

Michelle Capobianco: You have to be willing to take out the trash – no job is too small or insignificant. I learned that when I was a first-year associate at a big law firm and it applies in any business.