We were lucky to catch up with Keiyana Cassagnol recently and have shared our conversation below.

Keiyana, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

I have always had a passion for food, inspired by my grandmother and mother in the kitchen. My journey began in high school as a dietary aid at a nursing home, where I quickly advanced to weekend cook. Initially uncertain about my future, I considered a local community college for culinary studies. However, my mother encouraged me to apply to the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. Despite my initial nervousness about leaving home, the experience was rewarding and transformative.

I initially aimed for an associate degree in culinary arts but, with my mother’s encouragement, pursued a bachelor’s degree in business management and entrepreneurship, graduating in December 2016. Even then, I was still exploring my path, working various jobs in New York City, including at the fish market and City Winery. Eventually, I became an assistant manager with Compass Group, seeking to learn business management while managing student loans.

Catering emerged as a side business, leading to the creation of Keiyana’s Kuisine Catering. For the past 10 years, I have enjoyed planning, executing, and seeing clients enjoy my food. After 15 years of self-discovery, I realized my purpose is to serve others through food. My business model focuses on meal prep services, simplifying the process for clients and helping those struggling with health and wellness.

Despite moments of doubt and questioning my career path, the joy and gratitude from those I feed have reaffirmed my purpose. The indescribable feeling of seeing people’s happiness and receiving positive feedback keeps me motivated and committed to my journey in the culinary world.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Keiyana’s Kuisine is all about health and wellness that actually taste good. We focus on providing healthy options and portion-controlled meals that are also enjoyable and delicious. I want to help people who are unsure about making changes to their eating habits after being advised by their doctor. My meal prep business has already helped many individuals learn how to eat well while still enjoying their meals. My mission has always been to eat healthy, and I believe that it’s possible to do so without compromising on taste.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

When I embarked on this entrepreneurial journey, I was a fresh college graduate, brimming with opportunities and the freedom to chart my own course. My heart was set on this industry, driven by a passion for meal prepping and creating memorable food experiences for others. However, this path demands immense dedication and energy.

In 2021, I married my wonderful husband, and by the end of the year, I had secured my first job. Motherhood, a profound and transformative experience, taught me invaluable lessons. It was a lesson that challenged me to reconcile my dreams with the demands of motherhood. I realized that while I couldn’t do everything, I could certainly find a way to balance both.

The first year of motherhood was a whirlwind of emotions. My focus shifted entirely to caring for my first child, and it was a challenging endeavor. Balancing motherhood, work, and my responsibilities as a wife proved to be an arduous task. My career took a backseat, a common experience for many women in similar situations.

However, after the birth of my second son, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery and growth. I learned that balance is the key to success. It’s not about achieving perfection but finding a harmonious equilibrium between different aspects of life. I realized that I needed to plan strategically, execute my plans effectively, and remain adaptable.

While I had to learn this lesson the hard way, I’ve come to understand that walking through the fire is the best way to gain wisdom and achieve success. Through my experiences, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the challenges and rewards of motherhood, and I’m determined to find a way to make it work for me and my family.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Growing clientele is something I’m still learning, but I’ve been getting better at it over the past seven years. I believe it’s crucial to understand your target market. Once you identify your target market, provide them with what they’re looking for—a good price point and convenience. Then, enjoy the full experience. The most effective strategy for growing your clientele has been honesty. I always take the front door approach, introducing myself, my name, my mission, and my goals. I share my story, which is relatable to everyone. Everyone is trying to achieve their goals and find their purpose in life. I think it’s important to be relatable, pleasant, and forthcoming in this industry.