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

Dannika, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So, let’s imagine that you were advising someone who wanted to start something similar to you and they asked you what you would do differently in the startup-process knowing what you know now. How would you respond?

If there’s one thing I would change about SIPSAVORSOUL, it would be registering it as a 501c3 organization. When SIPSAVORSOUL was initially established, I offered catering services, and the meaning of my business symbolized putting my soul into every sip and savor I created. At that time, I was working as a community health worker and catering on the side, which was rewarding and profitable.

However, the direction of my business changed when my clients expressed a need for healthier eating choices for themselves and their families. I began teaching my clients how to make healthy meals and then shifted my business to work with non-profit organizations interested in implementing healthy cooking programs. Since these organizations were non-profits, they couldn’t afford to pay me much. Instead, I received what I called “love offerings,” where organizations contributed what they could, often covering some costs like food and supplies.

SIPSAVORSOUL has been supported mostly through fiscal sponsorships, but these grants are not always guaranteed and often come with restrictions, preventing me from paying myself. As a for-profit business, SIPSAVORSOUL has faced limited success. Looking ahead to 2024, I plan to establish a non-profit organization that offers cooking classes to disadvantaged populations, aiming to combat childhood and family hunger.

Dannika, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

This business has roots that started at my birth—ha! I remember cooking at the age of 4, standing alongside my Great-Grandmother, Pearl, who, despite being a bilateral amputee, was the cook of my family. I used to sit on her lap, helping cook greens on the stovetop, or climbing onto the counter to grab ingredients for her famous chocolate cake. The kitchen became my sanctuary, my happy place. My love and passion for cooking and baking sparked a desire within me to share this passion with the world.

Over the past two decades, my culinary adventures have taken various roles, from being a prep cook, beverage and banquet server, and chef assistant, to a culinary instructor. Additionally, I hold certification as a wine educator from the American Wine School. When my schedule is open (which rarely is ever! Ha!), I make hand-crafted classic and personalized cookies.

I take immense pride in collaborating with esteemed organizations such as SouthStreet Ministries, Let’s Grow Akron, Akron Public Schools, Portage Path Behavioral Health, Akron Public Library, WIC/Summit County Health Dept, Summa Health, Cleveland Clinic, and the Lebron James Family Foundation. A highlight from April 2023 was winning the 330 Flavor Showdown Chopped Competition. Recently, I received a nomination for the Akron Urban League’s prestigious “Golden Fork” Award, which recognizes excellence in the food industry. Overall, my mission with SIPSAVORSOUL centers around combating food insecurity and hunger, and promoting health and well-being for children and families across diverse communities.

Besides teaching people how to cook, I am a licensed foster parent and love caring for children and my chihuahua, Monte. I’ve embarked on solo travels to various countries, and learning food cultures. My upcoming adventure takes me to Paris at the end of November 2023, where I eagerly anticipate exploring my palette in their exquisite cuisine.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

My business has thrived thanks to word-of-mouth! Participating in business workshops and classes has helped me forge new client relationships and partnerships. The saying, “Your Network is your Networth,” holds true; a single client or networking opportunity can propel your business to new heights. But just like a mayor campaigning for office, you have to actively engage with your business – making phone calls, talking to neighbors, essentially showing up! There’s competition in your business field and you are trying to win their vote. However, if you neglect your business, how will anyone discover you? It’s crucial to identify your target audience and seek out businesses catering to that demographic.

In today’s world, it’s all about who you know and what you know. Don’t shy away from being your authentic self. I tell my business story to anyone who will listen. Embrace vulnerability, share your story, and take the time to understand others’ stories. While challenges are inevitable in business, these struggles can become your greatest success story.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

COVID made its devastating impact in 2020 and it essentially brought the world to a standstill. With many uncertainties, my business and personal life came to a halt as well because my business revolves around interacting with people directly through my cooking classes. When in-person classes transitioned to virtual classes, it posed many significant challenges. Technical issues arose, participants had short attention spans, some lacked transportation to buy class ingredients, or simply couldn’t afford them. I vividly remember children trying to do their cooking activities in the rain or in the apartment hallway. Despite the challenges, they still enjoyed taking part in the cooking activities.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sipsavorsoul.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sipsavorsoul/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SIPSAVORSOUL/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannika-stevenson-5650903a/
• Other: https://www.facebook.com/dannika.stevenson/