Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Josalyn Sanders. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Josalyn, thanks for joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
Memphis, TN native Josalyn Sanders a.k.a “Ms. J” is a woman of many talents. She is an experienced singer/songwriter, actress, author, model, philanthropist, and chef. Her journey has been a colorful one because she is driven and strives to give her all in anything she puts her mind to. On February 1st, 2020, she decided to continue that journey when Ms. J’s Kitchen Meal Prep and Catering came to fruition. She’s always enjoyed cooking and her love of great food was heavily inspired by her mother Ms. Geneva Sanders. As a child, she would sit in the kitchen and watch the magic happen gradually learning and becoming more kitchen savvy in preparing dishes. In addition to cooking up tasty home-style dishes, Josalyn published her first cookbook titled “A Taste of Love – From Ms. J’s Kitchen” which offers easy DIY recipes that are sure to bring joy to your kitchen table. As her business journey continues, she has made a name for herself around the city of Memphis. In 2021, she expanded her horizons becoming a proud partner of The Memphian – A Tribute Portfolio Hotel providing desserts for the elite guests. She also hosted & provided a dessert table for hotel guests and the Cooper Young community in addition to catering events all over the city. Her sweet treats also made their way to local retail in May 2022. An array of Josalyn’s chocolate covered strawberries, cookies and pretzel rods can be found at Feast & Graze in downtown Memphis.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am a licensed caterer. I specialize in 5-7 day meal prep, event catering, desserts. My specialties are my Honey Glazed Salmon, Kickin’ Chili Bowls and chocolate-dipped strawberries. Some of my most notable clients include The Memphian – A Tribute Portfolio Hotel and Schwed Law Firm in Memphis, TN. My love for variety and quality customer service sets me apart from others because my goal is to make my business a “one-stop shop” for a hot meal or a box of tasty treats for any occasion. I put my client’s needs first because I know without them giving me and my business a chance it would not exist. Therefore I’m very appreciative of my hometown believing in my craft. As a philanthropist, I adore the youth of Memphis and education is very important to me. For the 2021-2022 school year, I partnered with other sponsors in the city to donate school supplies and backpacks to the students of Lowrance Elementary School. This was a special moment for me because I attended the school as a youth when it was formally known as Southwind Middle School. For the 2022-2023 school year, sponsors and I created magic once more providing back pack and supplies for the youth of Memphis. I strongly believe that It take a village to raise a child and I am committed to providing a hand in helping children in any way that I can.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
When I first developed the idea to open my catering business, the global coronavirus pandemic changed our lives forever. This happened just as I was figuring things out and taking my first group of clients. Afraid and unsure of what was to come, I was a bit distraught because I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to continue my dream of starting my business. After lots of prayer and soul searching, I decided to face my fears head on and walk in my purpose. My faith is God is what kept me grounded in such a difficult time. To this day I’m grateful that I didn’t give up on what I believed in because Ms. J’s Kitchen may not exist today. The road to success wasn’t a hard one but it did have its share of struggles. As an open and transparent person, I’m definitely not ashamed to say that I’ve been afraid to take risks. When in doubt I talk to God because I was raised as a devout Christian therefore never losing sight of my faith. I believe that everyone has a purpose in life and when we accept the road that God has chosen for us it can be spiritually rewarding and fulfilling.
“Although I’ve accomplished many things in my life, my journey has just begun. There’s no limit to the number of hats you can wear in your lifetime, just make sure you give 100 percent while wearing each one. ” – Josalyn Sanders
How’d you think through whether to sell directly on your own site or through a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc.
My business website is msjskitchen901.com. Clients can find many tasty dishes and dessert options for any occasion. I provide a convenient meal prep service that comes in handy for lunch or dinner. Event catering such as birthday parties, corporate seminars & baby showers are also available. Ms. J’s Kitchen also provides custom chocolate treats such as strawberries, cookies and pretzel rods. My website gives me a chance to get personal with my clients in an effort to meet their customary needs so I definitely feel that ecommerce has helped take my business to another level in a positive way.
Contact Info:
- Website: msjskitchen901.com
- Instagram: @ms_jskitchen901
- Youtube: Josalyn Shanell Sanders