We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Freteria Smith a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Freteria, appreciate you joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
At Tamis with a Twist Catering & More, our mission is to enrich your culinary journey by orchestrating an exquisite fusion of flavors and culinary innovation. We are steadfast in our commitment to curating unforgettable moments, surpassing expectations through exceptional catering services. With an unwavering dedication to sourcing premium ingredients and infusing each dish with a distinct twist, we strive to weave a captivating tapestry of tastes that enthralls and delights the senses. Our unwavering dedication to excellence, bespoke service, and inventive ethos defines our ethos as we embark on a quest to transform your events into truly extraordinary occasions.
Furthermore, at Tamis with a Twist, we embrace the diversity and vibrancy of our community, fostering meaningful connections and collaborations. We are proud to celebrate and showcase a myriad of cultural influences, reflecting the richness of our culinary landscape. By embracing inclusivity and embracing the unique perspectives of our diverse clientele, we ensure that every experience with us is both culturally enriching and deeply satisfying.
Freteria, 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?
Hello, everyone! I’m Freteria Smith, also known as Chef Teri Lou, and I’m thrilled to share my journey with you. My foray into the culinary world is deeply rooted in a personal story of love, loss, and a burning desire to carry on a cherished legacy.
In 2015, I experienced the profound loss of my mother, a talented chef who inspired my culinary journey from an early age. Her passing left a void in my heart, but it also ignited a flame of determination to honor her memory and continue the culinary tradition she had begun. Thus, Tamis with a Twist Catering & More was born.
Driven by a passion for flavors and a commitment to preserving my mother’s legacy, I embarked on a mission to create unforgettable dining experiences that reflect her spirit and creativity. At Tamis with a Twist, we offer a diverse range of products and services, including bespoke catering for events of all sizes, each crafted with love and infused with a unique twist.
Our offerings go beyond mere sustenance; they are an expression of artistry, innovation, and a deep-seated dedication to excellence. We solve the problem of mundane dining experiences by elevating every bite into a culinary adventure that tantalizes the senses and leaves a lasting impression.
What sets us apart is not only our culinary expertise but also our unwavering commitment to celebrating diversity and fostering community connections. We believe in creating inclusive spaces where everyone can come together to savor the richness of different cultures and flavors.
I am most proud of the impact we’ve had on our clients’ lives and the opportunity to carry forward my mother’s culinary legacy. Every dish we create is a tribute to her passion and talent, and it brings me immense joy to share that with others.
In essence, Tamis with a Twist is more than just a catering company; it’s a celebration of love, family, and the enduring power of flavors to connect us all. I invite you to join us on this culinary journey, where every bite tells a story and every meal is an opportunity to create cherished memories.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
A lesson I had to unlearn was assuming that everyone would share in my joy and support when I embarked on my entrepreneurial journey with Tamis with a Twist Catering & More. Initially, I naively believed that my passion for cooking and honoring my mother’s legacy would automatically garner widespread enthusiasm and encouragement from those around me. However, I soon realized that not everyone would be genuinely happy for my success or willing to offer their support.
The backstory to this realization came when I first launched my business. While I expected my family to rally behind me and champion my endeavors, I encountered resistance and skepticism instead. Some viewed my decision to pursue entrepreneurship as risky or unconventional, while others simply didn’t understand or appreciate the depth of my commitment to carrying on my mother’s culinary legacy.
This experience taught me a valuable lesson about resilience and the importance of staying true to my vision, even in the face of skepticism or lack of support. I had to unlearn the notion that everyone would be cheering me on and instead focus on cultivating a strong sense of self-belief and determination. While it was challenging to navigate initial setbacks and disappointments, I emerged stronger and more resolved in my commitment to making Tamis with a Twist a success, regardless of external validation or approval.
Ultimately, this lesson underscored the importance of surrounding myself with a supportive network of mentors, peers, and fellow entrepreneurs who shared my passion and understood the challenges of starting a business. It taught me to rely on my own inner drive and resilience, rather than seeking external validation or approval. Today, I am grateful for the lessons learned and the growth that has come from embracing the journey, even when faced with unexpected obstacles along the way.
Have you ever had to pivot?
One pivotal moment in my entrepreneurial journey came when I realized that I needed to pivot due to a crucial oversight in my business operations. Despite my passion for cooking and dedication to honoring my mother’s legacy, I encountered a significant hurdle when I discovered that I didn’t have all the necessary paperwork in order for Tamis with a Twist Catering & More to operate smoothly.
This realization forced me to make the difficult decision to temporarily close my business for two months. It was a challenging period filled with uncertainty and introspection, but I knew that taking the time to rectify the situation and ensure that everything was in compliance was essential for the long-term success of my venture.
During this hiatus, I immersed myself in addressing the administrative and legal aspects of my business, working tirelessly to dot every “i” and cross every “t.” It was a humbling experience that tested my resilience and determination, but it also provided valuable lessons in the importance of diligence and attention to detail in entrepreneurship.
Ultimately, this pivot allowed me to emerge stronger and more prepared to navigate the complexities of running a business. It reinforced the importance of being proactive and proactive in addressing challenges head-on, rather than letting them fester and potentially derail my progress.
Today, I look back on that period of closure as a turning point in my journey, one that taught me the importance of perseverance and adaptability in the face of adversity. It reaffirmed my commitment to excellence and ensuring that Tamis with a Twist operates with the utmost professionalism and integrity.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Tamis_witha_Twist
- Facebook: Tamis with a twist Catering & More
Image Credits
Neffy Shakira Maya