Today we’d like to introduce you to Matai Steen

Matai, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?

My journey toward helping others began when I was around 11 or 12 years old. I witnessed firsthand how the system was failing both my family and me, while many people around me struggled to understand the challenges we faced. There were times when food was scarce, and financial resources were limited. Many nights, I went without a hot meal, but I was determined to support my mother and my community however I could.

As I grew older, I developed an entrepreneurial spirit. I started selling snacks from the dollar store and homemade brownies at school to help supplement my mom’s income. While I always had a passion for cooking, I wasn’t yet sure how to use that skill to serve my community. After graduating high school, I believed that my desire to help others would naturally lead me to a career in nursing. However, after not being accepted into the nursing program at the University of Louisville, I had to quickly reassess my path. I chose to pursue social work instead, which opened numerous doors for me. It gave me a deeper understanding of community dynamics and how I could contribute to building one of my own.

Tai’s Kitchen began in a dorm room with a simple Facebook post. I started selling full meals for $3, aiming to provide students with a taste of home-cooked food on campus. The concept gained traction quickly — so much so that I nearly got kicked out of my dorm! But that was just the beginning. I used the profits to donate to local food banks in the Louisville area, reinforcing my commitment to supporting those in need.

After earning my Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree, I began working as a social worker at a nonprofit. There, I discovered that many individuals didn’t know about the services available to them, including food assistance programs. This realization motivated me to make a change. After a long battle, I registered my business as a nonprofit and began offering free meals to the community. It was incredibly fulfilling to see how far I had come, from my early struggles to creating a space where I could give back to the community I had longed for.

I am proud to be actively addressing the gaps in the system and providing support to those who need it most.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

The road to success has certainly not been smooth. Once the business started, I faced many sleepless nights, constantly striving to meet everyone’s needs and provide them with the resources they required. A significant portion of my personal finances went into the business, yet the profits were not as substantial as I had hoped. I had little understanding of what it truly meant to run a business and lacked the team to support me.

For a long time, I kept the business a secret from my family, feeling ashamed for using my personal funds to feed others. It took a great deal of mental strength to finally gather the courage to share my journey with them, and the support I received was overwhelming.

Initially, I experimented with a rotating menu concept, but it quickly became clear that it was easier said than done. When the idea didn’t gain traction, primarily due to a lack of consumer interest, I decided to pivot. This led to the creation of the “Soulful Asian” concept, which has now become my brand for the past three years

Of course, there were many barriers leading up to that point. I faced the threat of losing my housing, running out of finances, and experiencing strain in personal relationships. My mental health also suffered as I struggled to understand and implement a viable business model. Additionally, I found myself relying heavily on others to grasp the true motivation behind the business. Throughout it all, I carried the constant weight of fearing that I was failing my mother.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?

I am a digital artist and creator specializing in a variety of unique projects, including digital art, templates, schedules, and custom-designed specialty stickers for cups and travel mugs. I also write books and enjoy blending my passion for creativity with practical design. Lately, I’ve been focusing on improving my fashion to use my platform not only to showcase my work but also to advocate for my community. What sets me apart is my ability to merge multiple creative outlets—whether it’s designing functional templates, crafting personalized stickers, or writing—to inspire and empower others. I take great pride in using my work to bring attention to important social causes, and I’m especially proud of how my art and designs help foster a sense of connection and support within my community.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?

The COVID-19 pandemic taught me many important lessons, particularly about resilience, community, and adaptability. During this time, I struggled deeply with my mental health, unsure of who to turn to or where to seek help. The pressure to keep my business afloat and continue providing for my community weighed heavily on me, but I knew I had to keep fighting. I learned how crucial it is for communities to come together during times of uncertainty. I also realized that traditional food business models were not sustainable in a pandemic, especially when trying to avoid spreading illness. After contracting COVID myself, I understood the severity of the situation and would never wish that experience on anyone. That moment solidified my belief in the importance of finding new, safer ways to continue supporting my community while protecting our health.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tais-kitchen.square.site/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tais_kitxhen/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tais.skincare?mibextid=LQQJ4d