Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Emani Roberts. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Emani, appreciate you joining us today. Getting that first client is always an exciting milestone. Can you talk to us about how you got your first customer who wasn’t a friend, family, or acquaintance?

Being raised by not only one but two parents who are entrepreneurs I knew going into my career would require for me to grind. Seeing my parents work endlessly to provide the best life for me, to be abled to have the finer things in life and so that I could go to the best schools is what has always motivated me to be the best at whatever career path I decided to take. The thing about entrepreneurship is that you don’t have anyone hiring you into their business and cutting a check for you every other week. You don’t know when the next pay check is coming or when the next inquiry for your services is going to come through your email so that means one thing “If you want success you have to go get it”

I remember when I first graduated from getting my first degree and moving straight to Atlanta after my Disney internship and thinking “ok what’s next” I knew Atl had all the celebrities and I had to find a way to get to them. I really didn’t have the resources at the time on my own so I thought let’s start trying to reach out on social media. I use to go under celebrities pictures and say “hey I’m a chef here in Atlanta and I would love to cook for you free of charge” or something of that nature. I’m thinking hey somebody is going to see that message. Sure enough “Minglee” who is a business woman in the hair care and marketing industry replied back to me and said “hey I’m actually looking for a chef to cook for my mom’s birthday in my home” from there it took off. I told her just pay for the groceries and I’ll cook whatever you want. I knew my work spoke for itself and if she liked it that wouldn’t be the only time. After that night was over she was asking me did I do this every day. I was 21 years old at the time.

To say all of that, when you love something and you’re super passionate about what you do, yes you want to make money and you work hard so you can make the money to afford the better things in life but, for me its the the thrill of the hustle that gets me. You have to constantly promote yourself, put yourself out there networking so clients come to you, consistently creating content on social media to keep your audience engaged. I would be lying if I said at times it didn’t get super overwhelming but, it’s like being on a mission every single time and better believe I’m going to complete the mission. I’m a Virgo lol, its known to be that we are very organized, detail-oriented, and we are protectionists. Which all 3 of those at least about me are 100% true. Which are pros and cons.

Emani, 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?

I am a Private Chef from Chicago, IL. I went to culinary school at Kendall College in Chicago where I received my Culinary Arts degree and The Art Institute of Atlanta where I received my Culinary Management degree.

I have a catering business as well outside of me being a in-home private chef. The only problem solving I do is making sure my clients don’t go hungry lol but, seriously I try best to give each and every client the ultimate experience. I don’t care who you are or how much you’re spending, I treat everyone equally.

I will say the thing I’m most proud of is being a young black woman in this male dominated field and crushing it.

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

Networking!!! You can’t be afraid to talk to people. Even if I’m just sitting at a bar by myself I’m always speaking to the person next to me. I’m big on promoting myself. You just never know who you’re talking to

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Social Media and of course word of mouth.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.Chefemaninicole.com
• Instagram: @chefemaninicole
• Facebook: Emani Nicole
• Linkedin: Emani Roberts
• Twitter: @chefemaninicole