We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Devon Henry. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Devon below.

Alright, Devon thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

I spent years working in the food service industry. I’m not sure how I lasted as long as I did, LOL! The thing a lot of people outside the industry don’t understand is that “love of food” is not the way you’ll make it through. Dedication and perseverance, sure, but in my experience food service puts a heavy strain on the mind, body, and soul. It takes a special kind of individual to endure regularly in that kind of environment. As I recall, I needed to transform myself into something I didn’t really like while working in restaurants and resorts. You do the same things over and over again day in and day out; coming to the realization that the “art” behind it many times gets masked by the “craft.” That’s what it takes to survive in the industry, the craftsman’s spirit. That cookie-cutter mentality has never been what drew me to food in the first place.

I got into cooking as a way to share my love and appreciation for loved ones; that unifying energy of everyone sitting around the same table enjoying the same meal, regardless of background. From cooking with my mom when I was young, to creating or perfecting new recipes to share with my college roommates or neighbors, I have always loved the connections of sharing a meal that food delivers. That’s what has drawn me and kept me stuck to this flame that is the culinary world. I am an artist in everything that I do. It’s the storytelling for me, the memories, the shared experience and expressions on people’s faces when they taste my offerings. That feeling of getting to witness that gets me every time!

Over the years, I’ve struggled to figure out my primary differentiator. However, I’ve come to the realization that “freedom” is what I’ve been searching for. The freedom of expression to cook the kinds of foods I like to make. The freedom of a client to enjoy the kind of event or meal they want. I have even started to take this approach to social media: Rather than focusing on trending recipes, I’ve started to focus on my creative process, I’ve started to focus on techniques or recipe bases that can be transmuted into different forms or used in different dishes. That sense of creative freedom is where my greatest strength lies and that is exactly what I want patrons to know when they book an event with me. I want them to feel that sense of freedom when they click on a reel I’ve uploaded. I want people to know that to know me is to experience that sense of freedom.

My mission in this entrepreneurial game is to embody freedom. I want patrons, clients, and followers alike to taste that same freedom when they have an experience with me.

Devon, 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?

I feel like I’ve answered parts of that question in my previous response, so I’ll touch more on what I do: I offer catering and meal prep services. I am currently offering private chef services in the south Florida area, as well! My specialties are small plates; however, I throw an amazing buffet service as well as omelet bar and brunch setups, too! If there’s an event you have and are interested in turning it into a reality (and, no, it doesn’t have to be a dinner party), I’d love to start the conversation and see how we can bring it into being.

On another note, I am also a yoga instructor with a focus on park yoga and online classes. Currently, my main focus on that side of things is sharing my neurodivergent experiences through movement and yoga. I was recently diagnosed with autism and ADHD and wish to be of service to the autistic community in any small way, delving into the neuroscience behind the experiences of others like me and offering wisdom via my personal experiences. I’ll be back to hosting park yoga events, soon enough! But, for now, I wish to embark on this journey of self-discovery and be able to share it with y’all through the lens of yoga.

On another, other note, I also provide a number of freelance tech services: Desktop support, scripting projects, technical writing and SOP documentation, self-hosted application setup, backup and restore, cloud infrastructure, help with budget automation, and more!

… That was a lot I threw at ya; just let that marinate!

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

There’s someone I used to know who has taken her social media and businesses to inspiring heights. I won’t mention her name, but she is a movement coach who somewhat recently blew up her food-blogging portfolio, sharing her allergen-friendly recipes. Both of her businesses came out of something she needed for herself: having a chronic illness and needing to find alternative ways to maintain her health in the form of exercises that worked for her. That same chronic illness gave her a number of food allergies, so she needed to be very careful about where or what she ate; and it didn’t hurt that she already loved cooking. She’s managed to turn both of these necessities into income while sharing her passion at each step.

She turned her so-called “weaknesses” into strengths; more importantly, she turned her passions into careers! Admittedly, it’s part of what shaped my re-focus on the social media front: providing opportunities to enhance others’ freedom.

Yes, my approach is different than sharing recipes in the typical sense, but I’ve never been one to follow trends. I took what I’ve learned from her and am starting to make it my own one step at a time. And that’s a lesson we could all take note of: Find what makes you, “you” and run with it. She most certainly did.

Alright – so here’s a fun one. What do you think about NFTs?

I’m here for many forms of investment! I don’t care if it’s unconventional. I will say I don’t know much about NFTs, per se, but being able to sell something for more than the price you paid is a win in my book!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://blacknapkincatering.com
• Instagram: https://www.tiktok.com/@bncatering?lang=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blacknapkincatering/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD5DCktOGOu4aodj2bo84AQ
• Other: https://linktr.ee/trifecta.yoga
  https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~01202f61a9d7e78d9c

Image Credits

pics of me in the chef coat go to Andrew Finch of Canned Ink