We were lucky to catch up with Chef V recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Chef V thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with education – we’d love to hear your thoughts about how we can better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career

Our education system currently lacks in providing efficient financial literacy skills needed to navigate life after high school or college. There is a lot of emphasis placed on subjects such as algebra, world history, etc but none of those things are applicable to generating revenue, increasing profit margins, or controlled spending which are all needed to live comfortably and/or provide for a family. There should be more focus in high school on what the students career objectives are and an education plan should be put in place to support those goals, with flexibility to adjust if the student changes their mind midway. Subjects such as algebra should only be required if it’s necessary to be successful in their chosen career path. Of course, the fundamentals of subject such as math, reading/English literature, science should be a standard with financial literacy being an added prerequisite to graduate. No matter what path you choose, if you don’t have the ability to generate and manage your finances you’ll contribute to the 11.5% of Americans (37.9 million people) living poverty.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Veronica Madison, better known as Chef V. I am a private chef and event caterer, primarily servicing the Atlanta Metro area with accessibility to travel upon client request. Sweet Fusion Experience, previously known as Sweet Heat ATL, was established in June 2019 with a food trailer and bbq grill/smoker. Sweet Heat Atl began as a soul food bbq food truck that quickly became known for perfectly smoked meats, savory homemade sides, and excellent customer service. Patrons come from near and far to experience the Sweet Heat flavor. With a desire to provide a more luxury food experience, I transitioned from the food trailer to a full time private chef and even caterer to allow for a more diverse menu that would accommodate any style of dining from family cookouts to weddings and fine dining. Food truck services continue to flourish as an accommodation to private and corporate clients who prefer a catering experience with a street food ambiance. I also provide experiences for the local school district, corporate executives, government officials and large social affairs. The Alpharetta Raiders High School Athletic Club is one of my premier clients. Intimate settings such as private dinners for 2 and family gatherings for weddings, graduations, etc are also popular amongst my client base. To date, Sweet Fusion Experience has been independently successful since start up and I thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to create lasting memories and experiences through my passion for spreading love through my gift of creating delicious cuisine.

What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?

Dabbling in the kitchen has always been relaxing and rewarding for me. I enjoy creating robust flavors with fresh ingredients and sharing them with family and friends to enjoy. Seeing the excitement in their faces after the first bite or hearing how amazingly delicious a dish is has always set my soul on fire.

When in corporate, I would participate in contributing to potlucks. Eventually, my peers would elect to donate funds and request that I prepare everything. Those experiences transitioned into peers and friend requesting I cater events such as baby showers, birthdays etc. On the weekends, I would set up a grill, tent, and tables selling bbq, nachos, fried fish, and homemade corndogs to locals.

An opportunity arose for me to leave corporate America and start my own path. One skill that’s always come naturally is cooking. So, I acquired a food trailer and tried my lunch in the food truck industry. My first event was on the military base in Albany Ga. I had never even set food on the food trailer prior to that day. I didn’t have power of rate first 3hours of the event starting because I wasn’t aware that there was a specific type of plug needed for the generator. I didn’t allow that challenge to deter me. I focused on what I could control, produced the products that I could and went on to profit over $10,000 that night.

The following week, I returned to the Atlanta with no designated location to set up. For 2 weeks I went from gas station to gas station trying to find the perfect fit for traffic, reasonable lot rent, and safety. A friend recommended an open lot on Gresham Rd. The first day I opened my window I made over $3,000. Every day there after would prove to be the same to the point I went from selling out in 8hrs to selling out in 2.5hours. Between delicious food, cleanliness, and excellent customer service, the red food trailer quickly became a staple in the community, forcing competitors to go else where to acquire and retain customers.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Client referrals and 100% 5- star reviews has been my strategy for growing my clientele. Stellar customer service and quality products give my clients the satisfaction and comfort they need to spend their hard earned money with me and refer their friends without hesitation. I go above and beyond for my clients, ensuring they have a memorable experience and cuisine their guests will never forget.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sweetfusionexperience.com
• Instagram: the_chefvexperience
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/thechefvexperience

Image Credits
Clear Motion Films