We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Brea M. a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Brea, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.

There was a defining moment that changed the entire trajectory of my career and it all goes back to my grandma. Growing up, I was always in the kitchen with her. She was the heart of our family and the soul behind every meal. She didn’t just teach me how to cook, she taught me how to cook with love, with purpose, and with pride. Every recipe came with a story, every dish had a deeper meaning, and I cherished those moments more than I realized at the time. Today, she’s alive, well, and cancer free. And every step I take toward opening my own food truck or restaurant is built on the foundation she gave me. I’m currently in college for business, learning how to turn my passion into something real, and I carry her spirit with me in everything I do.

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 back background and context?

My name is Brea, and I’m a passionate, self-driven cook with big dreams and deep roots in family, flavor, and faith. My love for food started early, growing up under the wing of my grandma, who not only taught me how to cook but also how to pour love and care into every single dish. Her strength, resilience, and spirit shaped the person I am today. She is the reason I fell in love with food and why I’m pursuing this path with everything I’ve got. I’m currently a college student studying business because I believe in mixing passion with strategy. My goal is to open my own food truck or small restaurant, a place where flavor meets comfort, and where every meal tells a story. Right now, I’m building my brand (Brea’s Bistro). It’s a bold, soulful concept that brings flavorful, affordable meals to the community, with a creative twist. I provide food that’s not just good but comforting, memorable, and made with purpose. Whether it’s grab-and-go meals, pop-up menus, or home-based catering orders, I make sure everything that leaves my kitchen is flavorful, fresh, and made with love. I also create custom meal plans for gym girls, offer affordable combos, and love experimenting with fusion dishes that reflect my background and
personality. I’m most proud of how far I’ve come without shortcuts. I’m building from scratch, learning business, juggling work, creating content, testing recipes, and connecting with the community. To anyone getting to know me or my brand for the first time, I want you to know: This isn’t fast food. This is real food, real flavor, real love. Support Brea’s Bistro, and you’re not just supporting a small business…you’re supporting a big dream. Follow me for creative meals, affordable menu ideas, behind-the-scenes hustle, and a front-row seat to what it looks like to turn faith, family, and flavor into a legacy.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

One of the most effective strategies for growing your clientele has been leading with your personality and staying authentic every step of the way. People aren’t just buying your food, they’re buying your story, your energy, and your vibe. The way you talk to your audience, the way you share behind-the-scenes moments, the way you let people into your journey—that’s what makes them stick around and support you. You’re not trying to be like anyone else, and that realness is what draws people in.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Besides training and knowledge, mindset and consistency are everything when it comes to succeeding in the food industry.
This field is not for the faint of heart. You’ll have days where things don’t go as planned—slow sales, equipment problems, food waste, burnout, no-shows. What keeps you going is your ability to push through the pressure, keep showing up, and find solutions instead of excuses. Food trends change. Customer preferences shift. Business slows down at unexpected times. Being able to pivot fast, adjust your menu, change up your marketing, or find a new approach will set you apart from those who freeze when things get tough. Lastly, being welcoming, friendly, and grateful creates an experience that sticks with people. If customers feel good when they buy from you, they’ll become regulars even if the food isn’t “perfect” every time.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Breas_bistro
• Facebook: Brea Mackey

Image Credits

All images are provided and taken by me (Brea Mackey)