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By Kai’s business journey and tips for embracing cultural diversity for business success

27 March, 2025

In the backstreets of Surry Hills is a small-batch artisan smokehouse, opened in 2022 by European chef Kai Ellmann and his wife Pawitra, a passionate Thai cook. As a small business in the highly competitive hospitality market, creating something unique has been key to the success of the smokehouse, By Kai, which embraced the cultural heritage of its owners to bring European smokehouse traditions together with North Eastern Thai flavours. 

Reflecting on his business journey, Kai Ellmann’s advice for people from different cultural backgrounds on starting a small business, is to embrace their unique culture and leverage what they have to offer. Get creative and don’t be afraid to bring it to the Australian market – this is the approach that has made By Kai stand out.

For Kai Ellmann, starting a small business had its challenges and opportunities, ‘while there are challenges, the ability to be in control of your own destiny is equally satisfying, exciting and motivating.’ 

His advice for anyone looking to start a business, based on his own learnings is:

  • negotiate the best possible lease terms to ensure long-term financial success – at the NSW Small Business Commission we provide support via fact sheets, guides and a customer contact centre which can help you with lease negotiations 
  • stay committed, strive for consistency and never compromise on quality
  • collaborate with others to overcome obstacles, think outside the box and grow the business
  • seek support and guidance when you need it
  • make sure you love what you do as that passion will carry you through the tough times.

 For further support on starting a small business, and for information in language, please visit:

Website: https://bykai.au/#home
IG: @foodbykai