We were lucky to catch up with Bria Waldron recently and have shared our conversation below.

Bria, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Risk taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

Starting a business is all about taking risks. Rude Gyal’s Kitchen isn’t my only business. I’m also Co-owner of a handbag/accessory line (Bleu Fleures & Co), a Turo host, and I do career services. Besides all of these, I work a regular full-time job. I actually lost my job earlier this year and just recently started a new one. That was the hardest thing because my job is what funds my business when business is slow. Since 2020, I’ve worked remotely which has been extremely convenient in helping me focus on my businesses but all of these can often be extremely overwhelming when you have a lot on your plate. I would say that one of the hardest things about having business is staying focused and motivated. It is very easy to compare yourself to others and get discouraged when you feel like you work so hard and should be further than where you are. I try to take social media breaks but it’s hard to do that when social media is where I get 99% of business. I have to promote and post things everyday so people know that business is still running. It’s just all about balance. Sometimes it is hard coming up with new ideas and trying to find ways to stand out from others.

The biggest risk that I’ve experienced in business is reinvesting and trying new things. Reinvesting is sometimes tough when you are using your last to do it. You don’t always have a good turn out or the results that you expected and then you’re back to square one with figuring out how to make that money back. One thing that I can say is that God has never left me without! I love that saying, “Some days its fast money, some days its slow money but it’s never no money” and its completely true! One thing about me, I always find a way! Business wouldn’t be business without taking risks. If you don’t, you will never grow. You will never see how great your business can get if you never try new things.

Bria, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Bria Waldron and I am from Brooklyn, NY. Rude Gyal’s Kitchen was my first business that I started in 2016 when attending Delaware State University. It is NY and now a Georgia based Caribbean catering company. (We are back and forth between both states). Rude Gyal’s Kitchen was created out of frustration; Between hating my jobs while in school and also not having enough food choices while living on campus. I decided to take a leap of faith and start selling Caribbean meals out of my dorm room. I always had a passion for cooking and made jokes with my dad growing up saying that we should open a family restaurant because he loves to cook. My dad is also the person who taught me how to cook. It’s funny how life just comes in full circle. My meals are authentic are created suitable to all my client’s needs. I’m proud of how my business has expanded within the past, almost 7 years and I can’t wait until I really do own that restaurant. I’m also proud of myself for the 2 e-cookbooks that I’ve published over the past 2 years, the events that I’ve planned, the opportunities to cater, and the influence that I have over others. I did release my own jerk sauce a few years ago but I am currently rebranding that as well as some other surprises.

How’d you meet your business partner?

My business partner for Bleu Fleures & Co is also one of my best friends. We are just two people who always has all these crazy ideas and are very active on social media so we thought this would be great for us. We are both in different areas of life so we’re still figuring out what works best for us but we both cant wait to see how far Bleu Fleures takes us.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I always try to ensure that my clients have a great experience when using my services or purchasing a product from me. I like to take that extra mile. I ensure that I’m always actively communicating with my clients/customers, showing acts of empathy, and being able to execute their vision to the best of my ability. I also like to follow up a few days after my services are completed. I want my clients to know that I’m always appreciative of them choosing to use me out of all the other businesses that they could’ve chosen. I love hearing how and what I could’ve done better. This is the only way that my business can grow.

Contact Info:

• Website: rudegyalkitchen.com. bleufleures.co
• Instagram: rudegyalkitchen/bleufleures
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bria-waldron/