We recently connected with Ms.Sauce Plates and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ms.Sauce, thanks for joining us today. If you’re open to it, can you talk to us about the best (or worst) investment you’ve made. What’s the backstory and the relevant context behind why you made the investment

The best investment I made as a business owner was simply investing in myself. Doing what you love is so under rated and we’ve been conditioned to believe that a 9-5 is the only way to make an honest living. Building a business or brand requires more than 8 hours a day and it may not come with benefits or believers. Some days are 16 hours; your paycheck is not on a scheduled bi-weekly Friday, and some ideas will not come into fruition. At the end of the day, it pays to be the boss. Know your worth and add tax! Being able to express myself through food, baking, decor, a freshly squeezed tropical drink or a southern banana pudding, while creating a legacy and a business that my children can one day take over is epic.

Ms.Sauce, 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?

I am the sole owner of MsSauce Plates Culinary Horizon Catering Company. Based out of Glen Cove, New York, I serve elevated plates of Caribbean Soul food, tropical drinks, a variety of puddings, and gourmet cookies. I also offer curated decor packages for the events I cater, food demos, a live pancake donut bar, chocolate dipping for children’s parties or bridal showers, and customized meal prep. I love to create unforgettable experiences for executive or corporate events, small weddings and intimate brunches. I am a Licensed and Insured Caterer, Certified Food Handler and Certified Food Service Manager. A Catering Curator for all cultures; my food brings joy to everyone who embarks on the festival of flavors. I am a proud PTA mom, member of The Hempstead Chamber of Commerce, Glen Cove Chamber of Commerce, The City of Glen Cove‘s Special Events Committee and Martin Luther King Jr Commemorative Commission.

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

Join your local Chamber of Commerce, give back to the community, and invest in yourself by investing in others. Find a cause and support it using your business as the forefront. Let people try your product; taste tests are imperative, offer specials and packages that appeal to the masses especially during major holidays. Bring business cards, flyers and QR codes EVERYWHERE YOU GO! You are the brand, you are the plug and you are a walking billboard. Every client isn’t for you, stand on business and don’t compromise yourself. Most importantly, be genuine, people love someone who they can relate to.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

The Last Lecture is a 2008 New York Times best-selling book co-authored by Randy Pausch. Each chapter of the book depicts an important event in his life that brought him closer to achieving his childhood dreams and taught him a valuable life lesson. He gave his last lecture at Carnegie Mellon University on Sept. 18, 2007, while battling pancreatic cancer. Today that video has 22,220,172 views on YouTube. His book and lecture have had a lasting impact on me since I graduated college. “It’s not about how to achieve your dreams, it’s about how to lead your life, … If you lead your life the right way, the karma will take care of itself, the dreams will come to you.”
― Randy Pausch

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mssauceplates.com/imadethesauce
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imadethesauce
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mssauceplates
• Other: Email: [email protected]

Image Credits

Charles Moss (In Abstract We Trust)
Marino C.