We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sharmarro Leak. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sharmarro below.

Hi Sharmarro, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

Sallicious Caterers began in 2008 when entrepreneur, Sharmarro Leak, decided to share her cooking expertise with the world. The name “Sallicious” is derived from her mother’s name “Sally”, and of course the word, “Delicious”. Sharmarro watched closely as her mother prepared many recipes that the world had yet to taste. Now, the legacy continues! Sallicious Catering started out making separate meals for individuals and has now expanded to doing large catering events.

Sharmarro, 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?

Sallicious Catering, where “Sallicious” is the combination of my mother’s name, Sally, and the word delicious is both a labor of love and a tribute to my mother and grandmother.  Though we grew up without a lot of material possessions, we had plenty of love. Love was expressed in many ways, but most notably through food. Cooking food was an expression of love I observed firsthand throughout my childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood. I watched both my mother and grandmother generously love on their families, friends, and even strangers through the amazing food they cooked. With their southern cuisine and hospitality, people would come from all over to gain an opportunity to explore the delightful dishes, that were comprised of fresh ingredients, some of them secret, they meticulously married together to reveal mouth-watering, unforgettable meals. It was seeing the amazing way my mother and grandmother could change a person’s day by simply “fixing” them a good meal and blessing them with a lovingly warm smile, that I knew I wanted to, needed to, impact other’s lives in a similar way. Juicy fried chicken and beautiful fried fish (both had to look pretty), collard greens, candied yams, Black-eyed peas, you name any traditional southern dish and they both prepared them superbly! I slowly started helping them prepare meals (an informal sous chef, if you will) and learned the importance of using fresh ingredients and later the art of presenting food such that it was pleasing to the eyes, even before one bite was taken. My mother would always say, no matter how good your food tastes; if it is not presented well, it will go uneaten.

I’ve earned my Masters in Psychology and became a licensed Minister at the Cathedral Baptistworship Center. I did not initially continue my culinary journey, as “life was lifin’” and I made different choices. Unfortunately, I loss my grandmother and then my mother, and both truly impacted me tremendously and I knew deep down and that there was unfinished business; there was something on the inside, stirring, waiting to come out. And that’s when Sallicious was birthed!
I started making dishes for my immediate family, them my extended family, then close friends – all loving, yet self-proclaimed food critics (after all, they experienced my mother’s and grandmother’s food) and I “passed the test” with all of them. Stepping out on faith, I expanded the dishes I made, choosing healthier ingredients than some traditional southern cuisine, but ddi not sacrifice taste.
Sallicious Catering: “It’s not just food; it’s an experience.” is our slogan, as we are deliberate and intentional in giving our customers the very best, memorable experience that demonstrates to them just how special they are – something I learned from my mother and grandmother (changing a person’s day by simply “fixing” them a good meal and blessing them with a lovingly warm smile). We pride ourselves on creating editable delights based on our customers’ desires. We always use the freshest produce and other ingredients to ignite our customers’ palate. 
We listen to our customers wishes and deliver more than they even imagined. We customize all of our services, from food options, table scape, and decor. We are personable hyper-focused on exceptional customer service, as we cater to each client’s personal needs and preference. It brings joy to Sallicious to provide services in intimate settings as well as large events at banquet halls. Sallicious Catering also contributes to the community. During Covid-19 pandemic, recognizing the sad reality of food disparities, Sallicious provided food boxes to families in need. We also prepared boxed meals for first responders at several hospitals throughout Philadelphia. Recently, we prepared Thanksgiving dinner for hundreds of housing-insecure individuals over a three-day leading up to the holiday. In addition to helping the community, Sallicious Catering prepares exquisite meals for corporate and professional athletes. Sallicious Catering satisfies the cravings and food interests of an array of individuals – something my mother and grandmother taught me to do.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Doubt…. unlearn doubting my abilities and compromising my culinary skills. It was God who validated my gifts and talents. It was through God and my unofficial business coach (Nikkita) who help me to understand I have a specific targeted population that will appreciate my gifts and talents and I needed to tap into that group.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Referrals…

You believe and feel you’ve done a great job. Even when you hear it from your client, it can still foster some doubt. However, when you get that, phone call, text message, DM, and even web request stating you come highly recommended puts a smile on your face and confirms you’re on the right track. Not to mention, when a potential new client changes their event date to suit your availability, it speaks volumes.

Return clients…..
That lasting impression I leave with clients comes back 100 folds. It never gets old when your clients come back for repeat service. I still have clients who go back to the start of my business. The Baptistworship Center, where the residing Bishop Millicent Hunter presides, was my first corporate client. Porter’s Day Care )Lori and Darlene), Lauren, Rhasheda (Rutgers University), Holy Nation, Temple University, House of Prayer Fellowship Worldwide, Good Stewart Cleaning, Washington’s Events, IamShe and, Holy Temple, Haven Pernal (Elaine), The Barrister’s Assoc, Buchanan (Lloyd) , Episcopal Community Service (Tamika and Pamela) just to name a few.

My team…..
I know it may sound cliché but I do have the best team. I can truly say we’ve grown together. It’s like we are puzzle pieces that fit in every time. They have learned me, and I have learned them. Edward, Shaquanna, Ed, James (daddy), Eric, Omar, Tyra, Charlene, Marq, Anthony, Danerous, Victoria, Kelli, and Kenton. They promote Sallicious in every way, wearing apparel, social media, and face to face. …

Contact Info:

• Website: www.salliciouscatering.com
• Instagram: Sallicious__Catering
• Facebook: Sharmarro Leak and Sallicious catering
• Youtube: Cooking with Aunt Sha-Sha

Image Credits
Sharmarro