Today we’d like to introduce you to Willie C. Mewborn Iii

Hi Willie C., we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?

I started cooking in 2014 at a wing restaurant in New Haven, CT. I started as a delivery driver then moved up to a cook. I excelled on the line as a cook and then became even more interested in learning more in the industry. After a year or so I left the wing restaurant to become a cook at Quinnipiac University for two years. I took advantage of this opportunity to expand my knowledge of food and different recipes. In 2017 I took a huge step and moved from my hometown New Haven, CT to Atlanta, GA. From there I continued to expand my knowledge by working at Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, GA. Through all of the trials and errors, I learned that my passion is food and creating amazing dishes for people to enjoy. From there I started my own business in January 2020. From there through social media, word of mouth, connecting with other chefs and networking with other entrepreneurs I continued to develop into the chef I am today. Not only a chef but I learned how to become a businessman. As I continued to network, I created relationships with people who can bring value to the brand such as accountants, mentors, marketers and etc. Without good character and work ethic I wouldn’t be In this position.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

It has not been a smooth road at all. It’s been multiple times when I was exhausted, uninspired and burnt out. That occurred from not having a work and life balance. Also, overworking and doing so much of one thing can decrease the passion. With that being said when you’re putting in countless hours of work into something you have to incorporate ways to make it fun. I overcame this by getting back to why I started cooking which was to be creative and to satisfy people. However, you have to discover ways to satisfy yourself at the same time. Other struggles I ran into along the way is having finances to fund your brand and having the right team. Many entreprenuers have ideas, dreams and goals but without the proper finances they may never happen. Many entrepreneurs did not grow up understanding financial literacy. Outside of financial literacy business financial literacy is a different system. Throughout this journey I used my own money instead of receiving grants or loans. Using your own money can affect your savings, income and other things. Most people need start up money or a lump sum which is why loans can be essential. However, now I aware of leveraging your business. The other struggle of having the correct team is difficult for many reasons. Finding and paying the correct people to assist you is vital. Many people are busy or expect a certain amount of money. So generating a certain amount of income in your business is beneficial so you can place people on payroll and retain employees.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

It would be super hard to say I specialize in a certain cuisine because I dedicated hours of work into all cuisines. However, I enjoy cooking Italian, plant based and asian cuisines. Outside of my clients I tend to cook those cuisines mainly for myself so I have the most experience in those cuisines. During my time in Atlanta most of my weekly meal clients ate healthy and vegan. I enjoyed that phase so much that I was indulging in it due to the flavor. Most people have the perception that healthy food can’t be flavorful and I made sure that wasn’t the case. I am most proud of being a good person and my work ethic. Being a good person gave me so many opportunities due to people seeing the character in me. My work ethic has also got me multiple opportunities. When I was tired or exhausted I pushed harder to satisfy someone without expecting a reward. My pride of handling business and maintaining a good reputation is important to me.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?

I define success internally not externally. In other words, having the correct mindset is vital to your life. Having confidence, self worth, spiritual grounding, good morals and doing what makes you happy can go along way. Many people define success by materials but those materials can give you temporary happiness. Having joy is success because you can wake up everyday and be content with your life. You will always feel like it’s something to accomplish but if you’re internally joyful you will feel find ways to enjoy life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.chefwillmeals.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefwillmeals/

Image Credits

Mike Smith
Instagram: @Shotsbymike