In this month’s edition of First Fridays, we introduce you to Kasey Fleisher Hickey, co-founder of Turntable Kitchen, a site devoted to the increasingly significant intersection of music and food. In addition to featuring recipes using local Bay Area ingredients, along with musical pairings to score each dish, Turntable Kitchen offers a subscription-based Pairings Box. The monthly delivery includes a limited edition 7-inch vinyl record, a digital mix tape, three seasonal recipes, and a special ingredient or two that can be used to produce one of the dishes featured. Read on for Kasey’s thoughts on customer retention and the other startups that she looks to for inspiration.

If you had to choose one word or phrase to describe Turntable Kitchen, what would it be?

Inspired.

How do you define success for your enterprise?

I think that success lies in having a very clear and defined goal, and never losing sight of it. I also think staying true to your core—your brand—is really important. I always want Turntable Kitchen to feel authentic. And I want it to grow because people love it and believe in it.

What is the one thing you wish you knew before you founded Turntable Kitchen?

I wish I knew that all good things come in due time. Doors open up if you work hard; you don't necessarily have to knock them all down right away.

What is the one thing you never want to hear (or, most want to hear) from a customer/user/client?

I'm particularly sensitive to negative feedback, so the last thing I want to hear is that someone was unsatisfied with the product they bought, or disappointed in a recipe. I know you can't make everyone happy, but I sure try!

What compan[y]ies (other than your own) are you inspired by, and why?

I'm inspired by many companies. I work full-time at Evernote, and I'm constantly inspired by the work that we do. I'm inspired by fast and furious startups that challenge the norm, like Warby Parker. Early on, I was inspired by Instagram, and the co-founders' focus on keeping things simple. I'm in awe of Etsy and the amount of thought that goes into their content strategy and the company's community involvement. I'm also really inspired by bloggers-turned-businessesmen/women who've managed to monetize their content and also find new avenues for monetization (like Bri Emery, the creator of Blogshop).

What is the next big thing?

Mobile. It's actually already the next big thing. But it keeps getting bigger.

What is the worst business idea you’ve heard?

Ha! I don't think there are bad ideas, just bad execution and a lack of focus. So, as long as at least three people think you might be onto something, it's worth trying!