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

Chef, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

Our mission is centered on the provision of clean eating, healthier options, and elevated food quality to our community, all while aligning with dynamic food trends. Our focus extends beyond culinary preferences, emphasizing the promotion of self-care, self-improvement, and self-love by consistently delivering real food to our valued patrons. We remain steadfast in our belief that genuine transformation commences with making informed and healthier choices.

The significance of our mission is deeply rooted in our genuine concern for the well-being of our customers. Witnessing the positive impact our offerings can have on the dietary habits of the community brings profound meaning to our work. It is a source of pride for us to not only provide exceptional customer service but also to offer high-quality food items that contribute to the well-being of individuals.

In acknowledging the importance of self-care, self-improvement, and self-love in the fabric of each individual’s life, we view our commitment as a meaningful contribution. By consistently delivering the best possible products, we actively contribute to the overall well-being of our customers. Our conscientious approach extends to every choice and offering, reflecting our commitment to sustaining a positive impact on the community.

Beyond our commitment to excellence, we take pride in our community engagement initiatives. Supported by our community, we have been able to extend a helping hand to the less fortunate through initiatives such as feeding the homeless, providing small grants to community members, partnering with local schools, and participating in various charity drives. We are dedicated to maintaining our role as a community hub where the tangible results of collective contributions are evident.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Greetings, I am Chef Wic, a native of North Carolina, and my culinary journey is deeply rooted in a family tradition of skilled home cooks and chefs. Growing up, my grandfather managed a small business, and my uncle pursued a career as a chef, fostering my early fascination with the art of cooking.

My initiation into the culinary world began at Burger King, where I took pride in meticulously crafting burgers to resemble the advertised images. Subsequently, I entered the industry as a dishwasher at a fine dining establishment. Progressing through the ranks, I developed a profound love and passion for cooking, igniting my pursuit of a career as a chef.

What sets me apart from my peers is the authenticity I infuse into every culinary endeavor. Recognizing the diversity of strengths and weaknesses among individuals, I place immense value on the distinctive qualities that define my professional identity. My commitment is underscored by a robust work ethic, meticulous attention to detail, self-motivation, genuine concern for clients, and an enthusiastic approach to the culinary business.

Steering the trajectory of culinary ventures towards progression is a source of pride for me. Anticipating each new project, I relish the opportunity to foster growth, both in individuals and in the creation of innovative culinary ventures. The conceptualization and realization of culinary ideas remain a perpetual source of inspiration and excitement in my professional journey.

My foray into entrepreneurship was not without its challenges, yet I firmly believe that the most worthwhile pursuits often demand resilience. Setbacks and unforeseen challenges are viewed as integral components of personal and professional growth. I urge fellow entrepreneurs to recognize the courage and initiative inherent in their pursuits, acknowledging these qualities as significant accomplishments.

Reflecting on my own journey, I acknowledge the valuable lessons derived from numerous mistakes. These experiences, though challenging, contribute profound insights that propel me towards success. I am driven to communicate to the global community that achievement is attainable for those with vision, determination, and an unwavering work ethic, irrespective of background or circumstances.

In my quest for recognition, my aspiration is to serve as a motivating force, inspiring others through perseverance in the face of a challenging background marked by setbacks and criticism. I seek to convey the message that unwavering determination can overcome any obstacle on the path to personal and professional accomplishment.

Any advice for managing a team?

When it comes to maintaining a high-performing team with elevated morale, my advice centers on establishing clear and transparent structures. It is imperative to provide team members with well-defined expectations and job duties, ensuring that they understand their roles comprehensively. Simultaneously, fostering an environment where team members have the autonomy to make decisions is crucial, coupled with creating a safe space where errors are treated constructively.

Leading by example is paramount in maintaining team cohesion. Consistent communication with team members is essential, facilitating a mutual understanding of both their needs and the overarching direction the company aims to pursue. Clearly defined objectives are a prerequisite, providing a solid foundation for team members to align their efforts with organizational goals.

Additionally, it is vital to employ diverse strategies to boost morale and motivate employees. Simple gestures such as expressing gratitude or acknowledging a job well done can have a profound impact. Emphasizing appreciation and recognition contributes to a positive and motivated team dynamic.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One essential lesson I have had to unlearn pertains to the acknowledgment that I cannot independently manage every aspect of a business. To facilitate expansion and scalability, it became imperative for me to discern my strengths and weaknesses. This realization prompted a shift in my approach, emphasizing the importance of effective delegation and placing trust in individuals to handle various tasks. In essence, I came to terms with the reality that, in many instances, others possess superior proficiency in specific areas. Consequently, mastering the art of subduing one’s ego and empowering capable individuals to execute tasks emerged as a crucial aspect of navigating and optimizing business operations.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.trendurbancafe.com & https://www.guactacostudio.com
• Instagram: @guactacostudio @trendurbancafe @chef_wic
• Facebook: Trend Urban Cafe & Guac Taco Studio
• Yelp: Trend Urban Cafe & Guac Taco Studio