We were lucky to catch up with Cortney Rose recently and have shared our conversation below.
Cortney, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
I took a risk and bet on myself. For ten years, I had been teaching 3rd grade and had just begun my 11th year in the classroom. During my tenth year, I applied for a computer teacher position at another school—a job that felt like the fresh start I needed. When I got the offer, I accepted it. However, before the school year ended, my current principal approached me, expressing her desire to keep me on staff. She promised to create a similar computer position at my current school, and feeling a mix of loyalty and hope, I accepted her offer. I even called the other principal to let her know I wouldn’t be joining her team after all.
Fast forward to August, just one week before the new school year began. My principal informed me that she couldn’t find anyone to replace me in the classroom and needed me to stay on as a 3rd-grade teacher—at least until December. Outwardly, I agreed, but deep down, I knew this was my sign. I had been on the fence about leaving teaching to pursue catering full-time for the past two years, and this felt like God pushing me to make a move.
I had grown weary of the hustle and grind that comes with being a classroom teacher. Honestly, getting the computer position was the only thing that had been keeping me motivated. So, I sat down and did the math. I realized that my weekend catering gigs were already bringing in significant income. If I could secure just one or two weekday events, I’d be able to match my teaching salary. With that clarity and conviction, I handed in my resignation during the first or second week of school.
Originally, I planned to finish out the month, but I ended up staying for the entire first quarter. I officially left teaching in October. That decision changed everything. November and December of that year turned out to be the most successful months I had ever had in my catering business—financially, they were the highest-earning months to date. That was the confirmation I needed to know I was on the right path. Ever since, I’ve been catering full-time, and I’ve never looked back.
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.
My name is Cortney Rose, and I’m the owner and Head Chef of Rose IV Catering. I got my start in the kitchen as a teenager, working as a dishwasher, where my dad was the chef. Watching him work and being surrounded by the hustle and creativity of the kitchen planted the first seeds of my passion for food. My first taste of cooking professionally came years later when I began posting my personal meal preps on social media. To my surprise, coworkers started asking me to prepare meals for them too. That’s when I realized my love for cooking could turn into something more than a hobby—it could be a career.
After over a decade of teaching 3rd grade, I decided to take a leap of faith and transition into catering full-time. The decision came after years of balancing my passion for food with the demanding life of an educator, and it was clear that God was leading me toward this path. Since then, I’ve dedicated myself to crafting unforgettable dining experiences for my clients, bringing bold flavors and creative presentation to every event.
At Rose IV Catering, our motto is “Flavor You Can See,” and we specialize in creating dishes that excite both the eyes and the taste buds. We cater for a wide range of events—from intimate family gatherings, to grand weddings and corporate functions. Whether it’s an elegant plated dinner, a casual buffet, or even a late-night snack bar, we pride ourselves on tailoring every experience to match the unique needs of our clients.
What sets us apart?
Personalized Service: Every client and event is different, and we go the extra mile to create a menu and dining experience that feels personal and special.
Uncompromising Quality: From sourcing fresh ingredients to meticulous plating, we’re committed to delivering excellence in every bite.
Versatility and Global Experience: My team and I have catered everything from intimate dinners to large-scale events. One of my most memorable experiences was traveling to France with my dad, who is also a chef, to cook for Inkwell Beach at the Cannes Lions Festival. We arrived a week early to source ingredients and train chefs on the menu we would execute during the festival. Opportunities like this not only refine our skills but also bring a global perspective to the food we create.
Experience and Passion: Over the years, I’ve had the honor of serving clients from all walks of life, including celebrities like Gabrielle Union and Jekalyn Carr. With over 6 years of catering experience, I’ve learned the ins and outs of creating seamless, stress-free events that leave a lasting impression.
The Problems We Solve for Clients
Planning an event can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to food. We take the stress out of the process by managing every detail of the catering experience. From menu planning and setup to ensuring every guest is satisfied, we help our clients bring their vision to life so they can relax and enjoy their event.
What I’m Most Proud Of
What I’m most proud of is being able to sustain myself financially in my first year of business. Transitioning from a steady teaching salary into entrepreneurship was a huge leap of faith, but I was determined to make it work—and I did. That first year taught me resilience, creativity, and the importance of trusting the vision God gave me. Every catering success since then has been built on that foundation.
What I Want You to Know About Rose IV Catering
At the heart of everything we do is the belief that food should not only taste good but create a memorable experience. Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner, celebrating a major milestone, or hosting a large corporate event, we’re here to make your vision a reality. We’re more than just a catering company—we’re your partner in creating moments that people will remember for years to come.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
After achieving my initial goal of sustaining myself financially during my first year in business, my next big goal is to create the opportunity for my wife to join me full-time. She’s an incredibly talented decorator, and we work so well together when we collaborate on events. My dream is for her to be able to leave her current job so that we can combine our talents and build something even greater together.
This vision is what’s driving me right now—it’s my motivation to grow and expand the business, not just for myself but for us as a team. I know that together, we can elevate the client experience even further by combining her eye for design with my passion for creating memorable dining experiences. Making that dream a reality is what keeps me pushing forward every day.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect for me is the freedom I now have from the constraints of a 9-to-5 job. If my kids have something going on and I need to be there, I can go without hesitation—there’s no one I have to ask for permission. I don’t have to feel guilty about another teacher having to watch my students because I couldn’t find a sub, or worry about balancing someone else’s schedule with my own priorities.
That freedom to put my family first and live life on my own terms is something I truly cherish. I don’t have to answer to anyone but myself, and that sense of independence makes this creative journey all the more fulfilling.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.flavoryoucansee.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flavoryoucansee
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoseCateringLLC
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cortney-rose/
Image Credits
For the Personal Photo credit goes to LeBarron Seltzer