Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Chef Chianti. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Chef , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea
In 2014 started off selling plates to people in Corporate America and locals which lead to big catering gigs. While working 2 full time jobs in the restaurant industry i still found time to be a Entrepreneur. I’ve always been a great cook, i use to cook meals for my friends and family so its always been in my DNA to provide good vibes and life changing meals. One day i had a vision to create my own meal delivery service (Before doordash was even thought about) the goal was 30 meals per week which turned into 30 meals per day sometimes 50 before i knew it my name was all over town. This is when my business started to outweigh me working a 9-5, i took a leap of faith. As soon as i took that leap i met one special person which lead me to my first big client “Cam Newton” by him having a undefeated year after that one first meal of his football season opening word on the street was “What you put in mans food” “Magic Chef” etc, from then on i started doing my own pop-ups events, meal-prep services, eventually i had to hire a business manager to keep up so i can focus on creating. My business grew within a year of me Manifesting my vision, i would call myself a celebrity chef knowing i haven’t cooked for any celebrities yet. Some people thought it was coming from a place of Cockiness but it was coming from a place of faith or me truly believing that i can do and be anything i put my mind to.
Chef , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I was born and raised in Charlotte, NC. i got into the Culinary industry at 30 years old by doing pop-ups and selling plates that lead to me doing bigger events and cooking for some of your favorite Athletes and Celebrities. I’ve worked for the NBA, NFL I lived in Boston for 2 years then moved down to Atlanta to expand my network. I’ve worked for a few Celtics and Patriot players i also provided cooking classes for Kids at my local YMCA. I’ve helped my clients solve problems when it comes to their health by having teaching them how to have better eating habits as well as using herbs, spices on a holistic level to provide not physical but mental balance. Some allow me to use them as a holistic food science project which helped them to lose the weight they wanted and/or have the best performance results on the court or field. My clients come to me because i make healthy food more appealing and flavorful, i add energy, flavor! i truly believe that the energy you have within you will come into play in whatever you release rather if its food or shooting a 3 from half court. I speak Affirmations over my clients food, i want them to feel good when they eat my food. I want them to be full of positive energy and love, this formal wins every time. Positivity always wins! That’s what makes me different i don’t just cook good food, i heal through food. What sets me apart from most is that i know that food isn’t just about being “Good” its about cooking to change lives, it’s about the Experience and the healing you provide for that persons soul.
We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.
I text them to check up on them and their families, Client are very particular about who they let close to them. Most of the time if the kids like you that means alot to them because kid see things that sometimes we can’t see as an adult. Kids judge by energy and action. I may send flowers or gives gifts to show my appreciation of their loyalty or just how amazing they are in general. Sometimes i add a dessert to their menu or something extra to give back to them, I also remember their favorites, i pay close attention to my clients likes and dislikes. People love when you pay attention to the little things.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
I funded my own business by using my 9-5 checks to reinvest into my business. I started with $500 brought supplies, created a menu to sell plates and had people pre order the food which brought in more currency and created a logo from that and got my LLC. The plates i started selling generated the funds i needed to start doing pop-up events which lead to catering gigs and more!
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