We were lucky to catch up with Kimmen “Chef KB” Brown recently and have shared our conversation below.
Kimmen “Chef KB” , appreciate you joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
A2D4 Creations began with a leap of faith. It all started with a scholarship I earned in culinary school, which allowed me to buy my first trailer. Initially, I sold plates to teachers and ran weekend pop-ups from a friend’s garage. Eventually, I took the bold step to set up on the main city streets, figuring out the equipment and menu that suited my setup—using pop-out tables, a 10 x 10 tent, home-sized fryers, and a portable flat top.
As I established a presence every Saturday, my setup gained popularity, propelling the growth of my business. I gradually invested in more commercial equipment to enhance efficiency. Upgrading from a smaller to a larger logoed trailer, I seized an opportunity to buy my first food truck. Despite the challenges in meeting regulations, it served me for nearly two years, allowing me to save and build my current trailer that operates today.
This journey taught me the value of perseverance, faith, and taking risks. It’s not just about facing rejections or setbacks in business but how many times you rise after being knocked down. The ups and downs molded me into the business owner I am today. I’ve learned that success arrives in its season, shaping my mindset and gratitude for the journey.
Kimmen “Chef KB” , 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 a 36-year-old father of two, diving into my fourth business endeavor to create a one-stop destination, streamlining services for folks. My aim? To establish a legacy for my kids, generating lasting wealth for them. At A2D4 Creations, we’re all about infusing simple food with attitude, customizing each catering experience to the client’s desires. Money matters, but creating a memorable journey for our clients matters more. We’re about culture, not just commerce. We accommodate various budgets, but being realistic matters. It’s still a business, yet it never feels like work to me—I genuinely love what I do. Our brand extends through classes, aiming to show that cooking is for everyone, regardless of budget. A notable feat was being published in a cookbook for our exclusive award-winning Henny sauce. But what truly fulfills me is mentoring youth, sharing experiences they might not typically encounter.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most fulfilling part of being a chef and managing my own business is the dedication it demands – the long hours, the ever-changing client needs, and the seasonal fluctuations. Yet, it doesn’t feel like work when passion drives you. Witnessing clients delighted at successful events and offering unique culinary experiences brings immense satisfaction. Knowing my business creates an impact by providing exclusive cuisine is incredibly rewarding. It’s a platform to establish my brand, aiming to make my name synonymous with excellence in the industry. Ultimately, my daily drive is to ensure my company becomes a household name in what I do.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
On this creative journey, what fuels my mission is the enjoyment I find in my daily work while steering clear of being employed by others. It grants me the autonomy to be my own boss, crafting my schedule as needed, fostering a sense of self-liberation, entrepreneurship, and flexibility that a conventional 9-to-5 job simply can’t offer.
Contact Info:
- Website: a2d4creations.com
- Instagram: @a2d4creations
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/A2D4CREATIONS