We recently connected with Kimberly Donalson and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Kimberly thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Getting that first client is always an exciting milestone. Can you talk to us about how you got your first customer who wasn’t a friend, family, or acquaintance?

The year was 2015 I made the life changing decision to leave my corporate job and enroll into culinary school. I was a full time morning student and my daughters were still in grade school at that time so I wasn’t able to work evenings nor a 8-5 job. I had savings, but without gainful employment those funds were starting to dwindle. I knew I was going to start my catering business after school so I needed to start presenting myself in this new role to the public. I started a meal prep service figuring this would allow me to be flexible with school and kids. The only problem was I didn’t have customers. I started posting my meals on Facebook and Instagram no leads or nothing.
One day I received a message from a guy named Brandon Bufford inquiring about meals for his workout regimen. He had been working with a personal chef who relocated to another state. We scheduled a tasting and he later became my first weekly client. His word of mouth referrals to other colleagues & posting my meals led to more request for meal preps and catering services. To this day I am forever grateful for him giving me a chance and opportunity to showcase my passion to the world.

Kimberly, 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?

Allow me to introduce myself. I am Kimberly Donalson ( Chef Kim D) the owner of Sophisticated Lady Catering Company. I also have a sister company offering food concierge services and private chef on-site services. Born and raised in Dallas, Texas I am a mother of two daughters. I have been in the food industry professionally 8yrs. I have been cooking since the tender age of 12 along side of my grandmothers and aunts. I have a passion for cooking and I enjoy making people smile with my food. My background was in banking and telecommunications before resigning in 2015 to attend culinary school. My goal has always been to give my clients an experience not just a meal. My catering style is called “Boutique Catering “ I focus more on personalized events and social occasions that requires me to execute an amazing experience from the elevated food to staging and decor. Its a more modern style compared to the traditional catering and requires greater attention to details.
My personal chef services are very similar but more intimate because I’m normally at the home of my clients or traveling with them so we have built relationships like family. Consistency is what I pride myself on. I’m always looking for the next level of improvement and ways to provide the best quality for my clients.
Currently I am rebranding giving my business a makeover. We have a new logo and currently building a new website. I wanted to make it seamless for potential clients to inquire about services, buy merchandise or review about upcoming events and appearances. I will be hosting my first public tasting event March 12th 4pm to 7pm. Tickets are available now at www.sophisticatedladycatering.com for this event. This menu will be introducing new global cuisine and more culinary art style plating for clients that desire a sophisticated flair for their events.
I also have teamed up with the Dallas Farmers Market and will start giving live demonstrations, cooking tips and much more so if you follow me please stay connected to check for times and dates.
I am proud of myself for not giving up and walking away. The pandemic was horrible for our industry and some are still recovering. I was able to still thrive and have business, but it also gave me time to reflect and target where I wanted to go moving forward with my business and how I could exceed expectations of my own goals.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

I always have said anyone can get a client, but a repeat client is what I strive to achieve. My strategy is simple “consistency “ when I cater any event big or small they know that they have hired one of the best. I am going to give my client the “Wow” factor each time so they will have a memorable experience and tell the next person you should hire her. Being on time is another example these events have clients anxious and stressed already so being on time (before time in my case) gives a sense of relief. Following through with everything that I presented to them in my proposal. Following up afterwards sending a Thank You card is also a kind gesture. Build a contact list so your able to send mass emails and or text about future projects and what’s happening now.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.sophisticatedladycatering.com
• Instagram: Personalchefkimd
• Facebook: sophisticatedladycatering
• Linkedin: sophisticatedladycatering
• Twitter: sophisticatedladycatering
• Youtube: sophisticatedladycatering
• Yelp: sophisticatedladycatering

Image Credits
Terri Butcher/ Terri B Photography