Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Brandy Hinds-Boone. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Brandy, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Alright, so we’d love to hear about how you got your first client or customer. What’s the story?

My first client was and still is a very close friend of mine. Karla Scott is an author and was doing her book release. She wanted me to cater her Butterfly Evolution Brunch. She was right there with me when I started my business, so I was excited and thrilled to do. I got business cards made, I put my family (my brother Quincy, niece Sea Kara and Cousin Joni) in Consuela’s Kitchen shirts that I had embroidery. Thinking about it know I really thought I was doing something. I knew how to cook, and I was big on how I wanted the outcome to look. Well, the guest enjoyed the food. But with growth the craft would be much better now. Back then earned the first dollar for Consuela’s Kitchen was all investments. I used money I received to by supplies like chaffing dishes, props, drink dispensers, and anything a chef could use in catering.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I was born in Key West, Florida on March 16, 1981. I moved to LaMarque, Texas at the tender age of 5. I was educated in Hitchcock and LaMarque Public Schools. Along with a passion for cooking I loved to dance and has pursued that since I was in Middle school. I graduated from LaMarque High School in 1999 and went on to further my education at Texas Southern University! I was a proud member of the Ocean of Soul Marching Band Majorette dance team 99-2004 “Motion” and in 2002 I was the captain of the class act of the SWAC! I graduated from Texas Southern University JHJ School of Business with my bachelor’s degree in business management administration in 2007. I’ve been preparing meals since I was 9 years old! While Cooking in the kitchen alongside my mother, Gloria Carter I learned how to cater to your appetite at an early age!! I spent a great deal of time in the kitchen with my mother who was a great cook as well. She taught me about diverse recipes and cooking with your heart and soul. My passion for cooking was instilled in me as a child. In 2010 my mother passed away and that was the driving force for me to carry on her love for cooking in memory of my mother. Consuela’s Kitchen originated from my middle name and was always a term that my friends would call me throughout my college years. In 2014 I had a strong desire to turn my passion and my love for cooking into a professional business. I did my research and went through a company called Legal Zoom. They helped me put together all the necessary information that was needed to get started. I started taking classes to get certified in my craft. Believe me, whatever I did not know or understand Goggle was my best friend. I did not have any advantages, no mentorships’ self-taught mentorships. Over the years in business staying focus and practicing my craft has kept me grounded. I’m always wanted to learn more and gain knowledge. I’ve entered and completed programs along my Catering journey The Sure Program University of Houston. That helped me gaining knowledge and to be able to be in the room with other entrepreneurs.

Certified in Food Safety management and is business orientated and hardworking. These characteristics helped my dream become a reality. All that knows me is that I can do and will do attitude. I always get the job done deliciously. Providing impeccable service, I’m willing to give each client the best cuisine and service regardless of the size of the event, the type of occasion or the budget! Consuela’s Kitchen is a remarkable choice to make your event a memorable experience.
With anything that I set my mind to do, I can achieve it. I do it all in remembrance of my mother and to ensure that my husband and our children have everything they need in life. A college graduate who goes above and beyond in her catering business to ensure that she caters to every appetite. I’m sure you’re wondering who I’m referring to, I am she and she is I!!

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

When I started the business back in 2014. I learned a lot to now and still learning. At each event my nervous system still on 1,000 lol. Until all guests are served and I know that me and staff have done our part for the client. The key to success is to stay humble and to be able to receive feedback no matter how good or bad. Be willing to correct your mistakes. Learn from them and keep striving for the best that you can be for yourself. You are you only completion. I pray and ask God daily to guide me along the way and what’s for my business is for me.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Pricing Pricing is very important. Yes, in the beginning my price was very low but with growth and value of your work they will increase. I had to learn and understand that. I had one client wanting me to cater her wedding for a little of nothing because she knew me. You have to stay away from those clients as well. Long story short I quote her a price and sent over to her she paid it quickly lol. After I thought about and look how my display and presentation was going with my craft. I felt I under charge myself. I went back to client and discuss with her that I will not be able to honor that price. I resent update proposal, and she still was wanting a lot but not wanting to pay. So, what I did, not to tarnish my business name or bad well with us knowing each other. I gave her back all of her money including to secure her date. My lesson I learn that all business (projects) is not meant for you to take on. Learning to tell client I will get back to you within24-48hrs with proposal so you can get your thoughts and pricing together before sending.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.consuelaskitchen.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/consuelaskitchen
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/consuelaskitchen
• Other: Tik Tok- Consuelaskitchen