We recently connected with Petra Hall and have shared our conversation below.

Petra, appreciate you joining us today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?

Actually, my company name changed. When I first started my catering business I named my company P.U.D.D. I thought it was clever, cute and catchy. It stood for Petra’s Undeniably Decadent Dishes. After about a year and a half into business, I was at a farmers market event and realized not many people were coming up to my table. I took a step back and realized nobody knows what Pudd is until I explain it to them. At that moment I knew I needed to rebrand, I then started brainstorming with an amazing friend of mine. We tested new names randomly on friends and family members. Asking them what would they think a business named Petra’s pallet experience would serve. Most said paint or art supplies. We were searching for the name that screamed, this is a catering business with dishes that will warm your soul. After a few days of trial and many errors. Decadent Flavors by Petra was born. That name tells you that the dishes I(Petra) make are decadent. The flavors allow your imagination to run a little wild, which is perfect because I love to take favorite flavors and make them something new and exciting.

Petra, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

A bit about me and my story, first off I was born in Jamaica. Only 3 of my grandparents grand children were born there, me being the second. Moving to the states was such a huge deal for our family because most people in third world countries dream of getting away and making a name for yourself. Growing up we would go to my grandmothers house weekly and on the weekend they would cook for the entire family. My grandparents had 11 children so our family was huge. Every weekend I would be in the kitchen watching my grandmother, mother, and a few others hard at work cooking. That’s where my passion for food began. I continued growing my love for food in school with Home Economics and Culinary classes. Then I attended Johnson and Wales in Miami for the culinary arts program. Taking the things that I learned there I began my business a few years later. Not wanting to be stuck with one type of food I decided to go down the catering route. Catering allows to me assist my clients in their specific needs. It be a wedding catering, baby shower, private dinner or birthday party. What sets me apart from other catering services is I listen to my clients needs and bring their visions to life. I believe food can transport you to any destination without leaving the comfort of your own space. One bite can create a memory and a feeling to last a lifetime. That’s what I love to create for my clients.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Building reputation and buzz about my business has always been a front runner for me. I always believed that building clientele and a name for myself goes hand in hand. So as I start to grow more I try and include people in the decision makings of my business. For example, when I want to try a new flavor I don’t just pick one myself. I may do a poll or survey for my followers so that they can help choose the new flavor. Also try and give back where I can. For back to school, I donated a few cookie boxes to a few local teachers to show appreciation for their hard work and to get my name, products and service out there.

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

Doing any type of sales can be very hit or miss. There was a time when I did two farmers markets back to back weekends and they weren’t my best events business wise. It was definitely a blow to my self esteem. I allowed myself to feel the disappointment but I did not allow it to break me. I took a week off after those events then I jumped right back into more Caterings and more events. Allowing me to build myself back up and tell myself that what I have is a good thing and it brings joy to others.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/decadentflavorsbypetra?igsh=MXVwenZ3cjh2Nmh1Zw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pudd2291