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

Tianna, appreciate you joining us today. Getting that first client is always an exciting milestone. Can you talk to us about how you got your first customer who wasn’t a friend, family, or acquaintance?

In 2020 during the pandemic I decided to start selling plates again in Orlando, it had been quite a long time but I was finally able to get my business back up and running. I remember posting my flyer on Instagram and a group of friends that I did not know randomly ordered. I was nervous because I was like who are these people and how did they hear about me but I was also excited because I thought to myself “WOW, people are finally hearing about you” This particular sale I had my infamous wings, 6-scheese macaroni & cheese, seafood rice, and baked beans. Though I trusted my ability, it is always nerve wrecking serving new customers. So the day goes by the friends all pick up their food and I wait to hear feedback. I was happy that I made a few dollars but making money doesn’t mean anything if they don’t like my food. A few hours passed and they finally wrote me saying they cleared their plates and will be back! Do you know 2.5 years later that same group of friends still supports me and have even sent more friends to make up for those that moved away. The feeling is sometimes overwhelming because I am immensely grateful for everyone that has grown with me.

Tianna, 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?

My name is Tianna Campbell, I am the Founder and CEO of Don T’s Meal Services LLC. Don T’s Meal Services was founded in September 2017, right after Hurricane Irma hit Orlando. It was a time when i really needed money and decided to use my gift of cooking to make bellies happy and help me pay my bills. I sell individual plates twice a month, recipe develop daily, host a cooking show on Youtube called ” Cookin Aint Quiet” where I teach people how to prepare various meals, I sell chicken seasoning, seasoned fish fry, and three types of sauces on my website, I bake from scratch a few times a month, I offer catering, private dinners, and tastings.

The problems I solve for my clients is consistency. You know when you order from Don T’s you are always getting THE best in terms of flavor, portion, quality, price, and wellness. We do not add unnecessary ingredients to our food to make it more fattening.

What sets me apart from others is my fight to never give up even when it feels like i’m a goldfish in a tank of piranhas. Since my last interview I have graduated with my Masters in Criminal Justice, with my passion for cooking and desire to successfully rehabilitate and help ex-offenders, I want to provide jobs to these men and women in my future restaurant or warehouse and teach these individuals how to cook so that they are equipped to work anywhere regardless of how their paths started.

I am most proud of me. I set a goal nearly 5 years ago and I am finally starting to see the fruits of my labor. I remember wanting to cater a wedding and wanting the beautiful chafing dishes that were $50+ each and praying that my time comes. Because of my faith and the support of my family, best friends, and my significant other I have now catered two weddings and own 6 chafing dishes! This may seem small to others but to me it is a full-circle moment reminding me why I did not give up.

I want readers, potential clients, followers, and fans to know that I appreciate every like, comment, share, and order from the bottom of my heart. It has not been an easy journey but the joy that my food brings to others is priceless. Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube to see my latest menus, giveaways, and home creations. Also visit my website to purchase Don T’s chicken seasoning, sauces, and Don T’s seasoned fish fry.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

When i first started it was hard to express myself without getting angry. Everything had to be my way, it needed to be perfect, i micromanaged, and i did not talk to my team. I knew this was awful but I didn’t know how to change. My best friend told me I could be really hard to work with especially under pressure when catering and I genuinely felt bad because that was not my intention, I just needed things to go right. From that day on i have intentionally made it my job to be better. I have meetings with whomever is working my events, I am open to constructive criticism, we make having productive fun a priority, I express my gratitude because without them I would be exhausted, and most importantly I ask for help so that I am not easily burnt out.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Customer feedback, referrals, and pricing! Most of my customers came about because someone told them about my wings, or cakes, or macaroni and cheese. The other customers are referred by business owners that know and trust me. This also goes back to me striving to serve consistent food each time.

Contact Info:

• Website: Dontsmealservices.com
• Instagram: don_tsmealservicesllc
• Facebook: Don T’s Meal Services LLC.
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK13X1xmpntUWP-zPnxXA4w

Image Credits
Tianna Campbell The Artis Touch Studio