Today we’d like to introduce you to Regina Boykin.

Hi Regina, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Even though I started out in culinary school, I wasn’t able to finish. Now, don’t get me wrong, there is absolutely no shame in that! There are moments in life when things are not going to go according to plan, but it’s up to you to choose how you handle it. What I choose to do in those moments is to pivot Instead of panic.

At that time being a single mother of three, going to school full-time, selling homemade baked goods on Saturday mornings, and also working evenings and weekends at the restaurant just wasn’t working out. I was literally burning the candle at both ends and something had to give and school was it. Eventually, I did go back, but not for culinary. I did however, learn so much working at the restaurant with some amazing chefs and servers.

My love for food has taken me on an incredible journey, I have rediscovered who I am as a person apart from being a mom, met the love of my life and connected to God in a way I never thought possible. Now I am feeding God’s people in a new way and I love it!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Many people think that being an entrepreneur is easy. Or they just look at the social media post and they think that it must be the most fun or easiest thing to do. I always tell people that even though I love to cook, I do this honestly because I love to multitask.

This journey has had many challenges. I had to learn to have some thick skin and not worry about what people say. There were times when I would sell baked goods with the kids and someone wouldn’t like something that I would make, and I would get upset about it because this is a product that I am putting out and I strive for excellence; I had to understand that everyone is not going to love what I make and that’s OK.

I remember this little white car that we had many years ago. I went and bought it at an auction for $600. It lasted a little over a year and it got to the point where i could tell it was about to give out; there were just too many times where it was stall on us. On this particular day it wouldn’t crank at all and we had to leave it where it was and walk roughly 8 or 9 miles to get home. As we were walking, I took breaks so the kids could rest and all I remember thinking is “how can these people see me walking with my kids and not even stop to ask if we need help.”
That experience alone reminds me to this day of how strong and resilient that I am and that I know my children are because I see it in my grandchildren. I.have to remember people are going to be people but there are still some good people in the world.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I started out just helping out with church dinners, and eventually moved into meal prep and personal chef services. From there, I started doing catered events and I have had two cookbooks published. I believe what sets me apart is I don’t just want to give you recipes, or give you suggestions on how to take a recipe and change it and make it your own. I also want to feed your spirit and that’s where my foundation in Christ and my background as a Sunday school teacher comes in. Not only does my background in food feed you physically (body) but the time I spend with the Father, helps to feed you spiritually. Being a teacher I love to research and that drives me to also want to feed you mentally and bring information about things that you are eating.

I don’t just want to give you recipes or amazing food I want to feed your mind, spirit, and soul. Soul Deliciously……..

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
My advice to anyone finding a mentor or who would like to work would be clean house. Look at your social media and see who you’re following and take notice who you interact with more. Networking is all about building relationships. When you think of a relationship What is something that comes to mind? You are interacting with that person, you are spending time with that person and things of that nature. So you want to look at someone you look up to, someone you admire, someone you are constantly interacting with. Those are just a few things.

Also for me, I have to be spiritually aligned as well, so I seek God before any moves are made; business, financial or otherwise. Ask yourself Do we have the similar morals and values. Do we have the same standards, do we have similar interest? Those are the type of questions when looking for a mentor.. and of course, keep an open mind; a closed bank account cannot accept deposit.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Chef_gina_b

Image Credits
One Click Photography Shoots