We were lucky to catch up with Juszina Kendrick recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Juszina 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?

The story behind my Mission is my Catering company & Cookbook. I want to inspire young dreamers to dream big and belive and work hard to get there. It all starts with a plan and good determination. I had started my catering company right before the Pandemic hit and wrote my first cookbook during the Pandemic and it became #1 on Amazon the first couple of weeks. During the Pandemic I was just like the rest of the world. I faced unemployment and had to figure out how things were going to come together for my life. I made a plan and stuck to it and God allowed everything to work itself out.

Juszina, 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 Chef Juszina Maria, Owner and CEO of Chef Juszina Maria’s and Classy Diva Catering & Gourmet Meal Prep. I started my successful catering company in 2018. I also have a #1 Cookbook on Amazon called ,”FAVA ” cookbook made to feed your soul. I offer Personal Chef services, Catering to Corporate Businesses, Meal Prep services, and Cooking classes for personal or group. I am also a certified Women & Minority Owned Business through the State of Indy. I also am a Indy Black Chamber Member and also a member of National Coalition of 100 Black Women. I got into the cooking industry at a very young age. Learning from my mother at age 7. My grandmother always said,”do something you love doing and you will never work a day in your life.

I believe we all were born with a purpose in life, until we figure out that purpose we would be able to fulfill our own destiny. I believe this is my purpose in life to serve and give back. If I can reach atleast one person with the impact I’ve made in their life, my job is done! Since writing my Cookbook, I’ve been featured on Wish Tv News 8, where I was asked to do two cooking segments and also discuss my cookbook. The Cookbook isn’t just a ordinary cookbook, it has Biblical quotes, Motivational stories and also a Grocery list. I was hoping this book could motivate someone. Since writing the Cookbook I was also asked to be featured on Wthr News 13 for having a #1 Cookbook that came out during the Pandemic. I’ve also been chosen for a Guest Chef Program through Pacers Sports & Entertainment.there I was able to display my Catering Company during the Basketball games with a delicious menu, while preparing several entrees that sold out during the games. I have been asked to come back and cook for several events through the Pacers and also Indiana Fever Organization. The list goes on and on through God’s grace. I am mostly proud of myself inspite of several opticals I had to face. I was determined to make a better life and trusted in God’s work. My favorite saying from the Bible is, Faith without work is dead! Even in the mist of me praying for a breakthrough I still what working on my plan and what I asked God for. I would like to let anyone know, that if you have a dream keep going and never give up. Please don’t try to compare your situation to no one else. We all have a road to travel and no two roads or destinations are the same

Have you ever had to pivot?

I had to pivot in my business during the Pandemic. I became unemployed as a Insurance agent and wasn’t able to sell insurance face to face due to Covid. I had to come up with a plan that would allow me to give back to my community, while making money in the process and motivating others to reach for their goals no matter what optical their faced with.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I built the majority of my audience through social media. I am on Facebook, Instagram and Utube. Consistency is the key to building your audience. I would post pictures about the food that I cook and anything else pertaining to my business. Your audience will continue to follow you and comment on your post, but you have to have good interaction with your audience weekly.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.chefjuszinamaria.com
• Instagram: @chefjuszinamaria.com
• Facebook: Chefjuszinamaria
• Linkedin: Chef Juszina Maria
• Youtube: @chefjuszinamaria.com
• Yelp: Classy Diva Catering & Gourmet Meal Prep
• Contact Information: 260/868-7268