We recently connected with Ashley Hall and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Ashley thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Who is your hero and why? What lessons have you learned from them and how have they influenced your journey?
One of my biggest heroes is my late Great-grandmother, whom I dearly called Mamo also known as Christine Manuel. Mamo was an excellent cook and baker. She did not have a college degree, so she took a part time job as a dishwasher at a local school in her area to help provide for her family. Mamo worked extremely hard. She worked her way up to a full-time position and later became a cook at the school. Eventually Mamo became a dietitian and worked in the school system for over 30 years. I admire Mamo for her resilience and determination. She didn’t let anything stop her from her goals. Mamo wasn’t afraid of hard work. everything she did was filled with passion and love. That same work ethic and drive has influenced me and my career. I put the same passion and love into my work and dishes. I know that even though I will face times of struggle, I will overcome them. Each lesson is another step towards growth.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?
I have always been passionate about food from a young age. I grew up in the kitchen helping my great grandmother, grandmother and mom cook. Traveling very often as an adolescent, provided me with opportunities to experience different cultures of cuisine. I fell in love with the islands, their food and culture. The spices used and freshness of herbs inspired me. As I got older and started to cook more and created my own dishes, I felt so much joy. I became more passionate with every dish I made. Watching my family and friends enjoy the meals and telling me how I have a gift with food. After working years in a background of customer service jobs, living pay check to pay check and very depressed, I decided to go to school and pursue a career in culinary. I knew I didn’t want to work in a restaurant and I thrived building relationships with people. Upon graduating, I was blessed with an opportunity of being hired to cook as a personal chef in Aruba for a week at a Personal Development Business retreat for Black entrepreneurs. From that experience being a success, I knew I was living in my purpose. I love being a personal chef and the versatility it provides me. I offer services from everything to meal preps, one on one cooking classes, group classes, catering and private dining experiences. I am able to provide clients with an intimate custom experience. One that you cannot obtain in a regular restaurant setting. I work with every client individually and customize my services according to their needs. My main priority is making my clients happy, providing great tasting elevated comfort food dishes and excellent service all while maintaining the upmost professionalism. I am most proud of being nominated and awarded with the NYS Outstanding Graduate Award in October 2019. I want to be known for my passion and love of food. I aspire to inspire people with this love one dish at a time.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Right before the pandemic hit, I was hired to cater an event for 250 people. I catered the entire event by myself. The same week of the event, both of my children became ill. I had to take care of them, take care of myself to ensure that I did not get sick and also prep/execute all of the food. Leading up to the event, I did not sleep for almost 36 hours. As a business owner and a single mother, your job is never done. I was exhausted, I cried, I prayed and I pushed through it all to get the job done successfully. I was hired to do a service and I also have to provide for my family. I told myself aloud the entire time, ” Ashley You got this, You Are Strong, You will get through this!”That experience showed me, my own strength and capabilities that I didn’t know I possessed.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
What has helped me build my reputation within my industry is remaining consistent, being professional, providing great food and building good relationships with my clients. Word of mouth has heavily impacted my business and reputation in a great way. When your clients are happy with your services they will always promote you and refer you to everyone they know.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.justlikemamos.com/
- Instagram: @justlikemamos