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

Amalia, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. 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

I always wanted to be a chef but when I was little, it was a career only for men. After graduating from college and getting a Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, I got married and moved to Mexico City. One morning I was reading the newspaper and I found out that the Culinary institute of New York was opening the career in Universidad Anahuac del Sur. I immediately enrolled myself and I did it!
I graduated two years later.
Then we started a family and we moved to different cities and countries. I had 3 kids and I became their personal chef for 20 years.
Im 2018 i was a contestant in the first season of MasterChef Latino and 2 years ago, in the middle of the pandemic, I started my own business; Chef Amalia Private Chef & Catering Services located in Sarasota Florida.

Amalia, 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?

I started my business by designing my brand. Including my logo, image, packaging, menu etc. Then, I applied to any licenses and permits that I understood I needed.
I created a menu with the items that my friends and family love.
What do I think sets me apart from others, It is the quality, flavor and presentation of my products. My recipes are unique and created by me. All of my products are considered Gourmet because they are made by a profesional chef using the best quality ingredients.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I am strong believer of the power of social media. My business is supported and based on two things: social media and networking.
The first marketing step that I took when I decided to start my own business was to open a business account on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn. Then, I added a Google and Yelp business accounts.
It amazes me when I met a client and I asked them Where did you find me? And they respond: through social media!

Okay – so how did you figure out the manufacturing part? Did you have prior experience?

Yes, I manufacture my products. Every Private chef or catered in this country needs to work in a commissary kitchen.
So, in order to get my catering license, I started renting a space in a local commissary kitchen.
I started with a menu that included just desserts. I created the recipes.
What lessons I have learned?
Number one is to start working very early. I became a morning person!
The other lesson would be to always surround yourself with people that want the best for you and want you to be successful.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.chefamalia.com
• Instagram: @ChefAmaliaFlores
• Facebook: @ChefAmalia
• Linkedin: @Chef Amalia Flores
• Yelp: Chef Amalia Private Chef & Catering Services
• Other: TikTok: @ChefAmalia