We recently connected with Joshua Davis and have shared our conversation below.
Joshua, appreciate you joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
Let me take you through how SmooveCajunCatering came to be, and the full journey that led to its creation.
I was born and raised in Louisiana, so food has always been more than just something we eat—it’s been a way of life. My earliest memories are in the kitchen with my grandma and mama, watching them cook with that deep, intuitive understanding of flavors. I’d stand there, fascinated, stirring pots, chopping vegetables, and trying to mimic their every move. What I loved the most was how food brought everyone together. Whether it was a big family feast or a quiet Sunday meal, it always felt like something special.
I spent hours watching cooking shows on the Food Network, and it was through those shows that I began to realize this wasn’t just something I loved—it was something I wanted to do for a living. Food wasn’t just about following recipes; it was about telling stories, creating experiences, and building connections. Watching the chefs on TV fueled my passion even more, and I knew I wanted to be part of that world, too.
When I got a job that brought me to Atlanta, GA, I saw it as an opportunity to pursue my dream further. While working in Atlanta, I decided to take a leap and enroll in culinary arts school. At the same time, I also began working on getting my Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) because I knew that to make this passion into a career, I would need a business mind, too. So, I balanced my studies in culinary arts with my business courses, learning both the art and the logistics of running a food-related business.
What I realized over the years was that while there were plenty of places offering Cajun food, there was a clear gap in the market for authentic, high-quality, yet approachable Cajun cuisine. Not just any version of Cajun food, but the kind that felt like it came straight from the heart of Louisiana—bold, flavorful, and vibrant. I also saw how the food experience was changing, with people craving not just good meals, but memorable moments. They wanted to feel like they were part of something bigger, a cultural experience, not just a meal they could pick up or eat at a restaurant.
After finishing my culinary education and earning my business degree, I made a bold decision. I decided to get my LLC and officially start my own business—SmooveCajunCatering. But this wasn’t just about cooking for people—it was about creating an experience that felt like home. I wanted to take the flavors of Louisiana and give them a modern, smooth spin, making them accessible for people who may not be familiar with Cajun food but still wanted to dive in and enjoy it.
Now, here’s where things got interesting: after culinary school, I ended up moving to Houston, Texas for a career opportunity. I could have easily just focused on my day job, but deep down I knew this was the perfect time to bring my dream to life. Houston is such a diverse, food-centric city, and I saw a huge opportunity to bring authentic Cajun flavors to the mix. I thought, “Why not introduce something truly Louisiana, but also put my own twist on it?” This was the place to do it.
I launched SmooveCajunCatering with the intention of filling a unique void—a space where people could experience the full spectrum of Cajun cuisine, from the complex spices and rich dishes to the lively energy and sense of tradition that comes with it. But it wasn’t just about the food—it was about offering an experience that would transport people to the heart of Louisiana. Whether it was for a corporate event, a wedding, or a backyard party, I wanted SmooveCajunCatering to be that connection to culture, flavor, and good times.
The logic behind it was simple, but solid. I knew there was a demand for Cajun food, but it wasn’t being offered in the way I envisioned. I wasn’t just solving a problem of availability, I was offering a new approach to how Cajun food could be enjoyed. I wanted to make it not only authentic but also approachable, with a vibe that invited everyone in. Cajun food doesn’t need to be intimidating, and I wanted to bring that smooth, easy-going approach to it—without losing the bold flavors that make it unique.
What excited me the most about starting this business was that it allowed me to share the flavors of Louisiana—a place that has so much heart and soul—in a way that felt fresh, modern, and accessible to everyone. I knew people would get excited because Cajun food isn’t just food; it’s an experience, a celebration, and I wanted to offer that experience with a twist that no one else was offering. There were plenty of Cajun restaurants and caterers, but SmooveCajunCatering was about more than just food—it was about that feeling you get when you take your first bite and you’re transported straight to the bayou.
It wasn’t just the food that got me excited, but the possibility of connecting with people in a way that felt real and personal. I wasn’t just serving jambalaya; I was serving memories, celebrations, and shared experiences. And that’s what I believed would make this business work.
So, the idea for SmooveCajunCatering came from a lifetime of learning, cooking, and dreaming, mixed with a deep desire to share the joy and culture of Louisiana’s food in a way that felt new, exciting, and inclusive. And that’s what still drives me today—creating food that brings people together, creates memories, and celebrates the soul of Cajun cooking with every bite.
Joshua, 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’m originally from Louisiana, a place where food isn’t just something you eat—it’s a celebration of culture, a way to connect with family, friends, and the world around you. Growing up, I spent a lot of time in the kitchen with my grandma and mama, both of whom were exceptional cooks. From stirring pots of gumbo to helping prepare the famous crawfish boils we’d have during family gatherings, I learned early on that cooking wasn’t just a skill—it was a form of storytelling, an art, and a way to bring joy to others. Those early experiences shaped everything I do today.
I was always drawn to food, and I remember watching cooking shows on the Food Network as a kid, fascinated by the chefs and the flavors they created. It felt like a lightbulb went off—this was something I wanted to pursue seriously. Over time, I realized that my love for food wasn’t just about the cooking itself, but about the experience it created. It was about the energy of the table, the joy in sharing a meal with others, and how food could bring people together in ways words couldn’t.
After high school, I moved to Atlanta, GA, where I took the opportunity to pursue my passion more seriously. I enrolled in culinary arts school while also working and earning my BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration). At that time, I was working in a job that kept me in the city, but it also gave me the space to dig deeper into my culinary interests and learn the business side of things—because I knew that if I was going to start something of my own, I needed both the creative skills and the business acumen to make it succeed.
After completing my education and getting my feet wet in the culinary world, I made the decision to officially start my own business. That’s how SmooveCajunCatering was born. I wanted to offer something authentic, yet approachable, something that represented the bold, flavorful cuisine of Louisiana, but with a modern twist that made it accessible and fun. I also realized that there was a real need for high-quality Cajun catering that wasn’t just about food—it was about creating an experience. Catering should evoke the same feeling you get when you’re sitting around a table at a family reunion or at a lively seafood boil—it should be vibrant, fun, and full of life.
What we do at SmooveCajunCatering is simple but special. We provide Cajun catering services for all kinds of events—weddings, corporate events, private parties, and more. But we’re not just about serving great food; we’re about delivering an authentic Louisiana experience. We bring bold flavors, vibrant dishes, and a sense of celebration to every event we cater. From seafood boils and gumbo to jambalaya and shrimp and grits, we make sure that every bite packs the spice and heart of Louisiana, while also giving it a smooth, approachable touch for people who may be new to the cuisine.
What sets us apart is that we’re not just serving food—we’re providing a cultural experience. I wanted to create a brand that wasn’t just about catering, but about offering memories. Our goal isn’t to just feed people—we want to take them on a journey, making them feel like they’re part of the Cajun tradition. SmooveCajunCatering blends authenticity with modern vibes, making it a unique offering in a market that doesn’t always get Cajun food quite right. We focus on using high-quality ingredients, offering a wide variety of Cajun classics, and making sure that every client feels like they’ve just experienced something special.
The problems we solve are twofold: first, we provide a solution for clients who are looking for authentic Cajun food that they can’t always find in their area, and second, we offer a catering experience that’s more than just “good food.” We want to create a full-sensory experience for our clients, from the flavors to the atmosphere. For many, Cajun food is a connection to family, tradition, and community, and we take that responsibility seriously.
As for what I’m most proud of: building this business from the ground up, and seeing it resonate with people who feel that same love for Cajun culture and cuisine that I do. There’s nothing like seeing someone take a bite of my food and immediately light up, telling me how it reminds them of a family gathering back home or how it takes them straight to Louisiana. That kind of connection is what makes it all worth it. The feedback from my clients—how we’ve helped them create memories at their events—is what keeps me motivated.
For anyone considering working with us, I want them to know that SmooveCajunCatering is all about authenticity, quality, and fun. We’re not just a catering company; we’re a team that’s passionate about food, culture, and bringing people together. We’re committed to delivering a memorable experience with every dish we serve, and we want our clients to know that we put everything we have into every event. When they choose us, they’re not just getting a meal—they’re getting a piece of Louisiana, served with a whole lot of heart.
At the end of the day, food is a celebration, and I’m incredibly proud to be able to share that celebration with others. That’s what I want everyone to know about me and my brand: it’s not just about feeding people—it’s about creating an unforgettable experience that’s full of flavor, culture, and connection.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
One of the most pivotal moments in my career came early on when I decided to take the leap into starting my own business. I had completed my culinary arts training and earned my BBA, but I was working in a steady job in Atlanta, which was comfortable, secure, and well-paying. I knew in my heart, though, that if I wanted to pursue my dream of sharing authentic Louisiana cuisine with others through catering, I had to take a big risk.
The problem was, I wasn’t sure where to start. I had this dream, this vision of what I wanted to build, but the path wasn’t clear. I didn’t have a lot of money saved up, and I didn’t have the same connections that other established caterers or businesses did. My first real test of resilience came when I decided to get my LLC, start building my brand, and dive into the catering world—without knowing exactly how it was all going to unfold.
I remember one specific moment where I was trying to get my first big catering event off the ground. I had secured the booking and was excited, but everything that could go wrong, seemed to. There were delays with getting the right ingredients, some of my equipment broke down, and on top of all that, I was juggling the stress of still working my 9-to-5 job. I was stretched thin—physically, mentally, and emotionally—and I honestly began to question if I could pull this off.
I was exhausted—not just physically, but spiritually too. I didn’t have the resources, and I didn’t know if the people I was catering for would even like the food or experience. It felt like everything I tried to put into place just wasn’t coming together the way I imagined. The night before the event, I barely slept, wrestling with self-doubt. Was I really cut out for this? Was it worth all the sacrifice?
But in that moment of doubt, something inside me clicked. I realized that every entrepreneur goes through these moments. It’s part of the process. What mattered wasn’t that things were tough or didn’t go smoothly—it was that I kept going.
I spent hours that night getting everything ready for the event, double-checking every detail and making sure I wasn’t leaving anything to chance. When the event day finally came, I pushed through and delivered the food and experience I had promised. Despite all the hurdles leading up to it, the event went off beautifully. The guests loved the food, and the clients were thrilled with the overall experience. I felt like I had finally crossed a major threshold in proving to myself that I could do this, despite the odds stacked against me.
What I learned from that experience—and what really shaped my resilience—was that it wasn’t about being perfect or having everything go smoothly. It was about staying committed to the vision, no matter how tough it got. Every setback became a learning opportunity. I had to push through those uncomfortable moments, get creative, and find ways to adapt.
That event marked a turning point for me. It proved that if I could navigate those early obstacles and keep moving forward, I could face anything. Since then, I’ve faced other challenges, like scaling the business, managing a growing team, and dealing with unforeseen setbacks, but I always remind myself of that first major test. Resilience has been about showing up—no matter how tired, no matter how many times things go wrong—and trusting that the effort will eventually pay off.
So, if there’s one thing I want anyone to take away from my story, it’s that resilience is not about never facing adversity; it’s about continuing to push through, adapting when necessary, and always keeping the bigger vision in mind. It’s about knowing that the hard times are just part of the journey—and if you stay true to your mission, you’ll get to where you want to be.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
One of the most important lessons I had to unlearn was the idea that success is about doing everything yourself.
I’ve always been someone who prided myself on my independence and work ethic. Growing up in Louisiana, watching my grandma and mama cook, I learned that if you wanted something done right, you did it yourself. That mindset worked well in many areas of my life—put in the effort, take control, and make it happen. When I first started SmooveCajunCatering, I carried that same mentality with me: if I wanted this business to succeed, I had to be the one to do it all—from cooking every meal, handling the logistics, marketing, and even responding to emails at 2 a.m.
At first, it felt like I was in control, but as my business grew, I began to realize it wasn’t sustainable. I was burning myself out. The more clients I took on, the more events I booked, the more it became clear: I couldn’t keep up with everything by myself. I was juggling a full-time job, trying to scale the business, and struggling to find time for myself. And yet, I was still holding onto the belief that asking for help meant I wasn’t doing enough or wasn’t “successful enough.”
The breaking point came when I had a particularly large event to cater—a corporate gathering for a company that was expecting an elegant, smooth experience. I thought I could manage the preparation alone. I had everything planned meticulously, or so I thought. But in the chaos of the day—between managing the food, keeping track of timelines, and trying to ensure everything was perfect—I found myself completely overwhelmed. My stress levels were through the roof, and I ended up making mistakes I hadn’t anticipated, like forgetting to pack the right equipment or misjudging how much food was needed.
I remember that night, after the event, sitting in my car, completely drained, feeling like I had let down both myself and my clients. That was the moment I realized that trying to do everything on my own wasn’t a badge of honor—it was a recipe for failure. If I wanted to grow, succeed, and build a sustainable business, I had to start trusting others, delegating, and building a team that could help me.
So, I began unlearning that notion of “doing it all myself.” I had to learn that success doesn’t mean being in control of every little detail; it’s about collaboration, building a strong support system, and recognizing that I’m not meant to do everything alone. I started reaching out for help—hiring assistants, connecting with suppliers who could support my vision, and working with a small but reliable team who shared my passion for Cajun cuisine. Gradually, I let go of the need to control everything and embraced the idea that delegation was a strength, not a weakness.
The process wasn’t easy. It took a lot of trust and some trial and error. But once I opened myself up to working with others, I saw how much it allowed me to focus on the parts of the business I was truly passionate about, like cooking and interacting with clients.
What I unlearned was that success doesn’t mean doing everything yourself—it’s about knowing when to ask for help and trusting that others can bring something valuable to the table. Now, I’m a much stronger leader and business owner because I’ve learned to surround myself with people who share my vision and complement my skills.
And honestly, it was a major game-changer. Today, I have a team I can count on, and I know that building the business isn’t about doing everything alone—it’s about creating something together. It’s not just about me; it’s about everyone involved in the journey.
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