We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sonia Washington a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Sonia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
I have always had a passion for cooking and experimenting with new dishes. One day, while waiting for a rotisserie chicken at Sam’s Club after a long day at work, I struck up a conversation with a woman who expressed her desire for home-cooked meals but lacked the time and energy to prepare them herself. This encounter sparked the idea of offering a meal preparation service for individuals and families in need of convenient and delicious meals.
Realizing the demand for such a service, I decided to turn my love for cooking into a business opportunity. I saw an opportunity to provide a valuable service that was not widely available at the time. By offering freshly prepared meals that could be easily reheated at home, I was able to help busy individuals and families enjoy home-cooked meals without the hassle of cooking themselves.
I am thrilled to be able to combine my passion for cooking with the opportunity to help others and earn extra income.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I am a driven and ambitious individual who holds a master’s degree in business administration. Armed with a strong educational background and a passion for culinary arts, I decided to combine my expertise and love for cooking by founding The South in Your Mouth Catering LLC.
With my keen business acumen and culinary skills, I have successfully built The South in Your Mouth Catering into a thriving business that caters to a wide range of events and occasions. From corporate events to weddings, me and my team provide top-notch service and delicious food that always leaves clients satisfied and coming back for more.
Running a successful catering business requires a high level of discipline and organization. I understand the importance of managing finances, marketing effectively, and maintaining high-quality standards in the kitchen. I am dedicated to ensuring that every aspect of my business runs smoothly and efficiently, from menu planning to event
My passion for food and my drive to succeed have propelled The South in Your Mouth LLC Catering to new heights and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.
The South In Your Mouth LLC provides a comprehensive range of catering services for various events, including weddings, corporate meetings, birthdays, anniversaries, outdoor cookouts, and more.
We understand the significance of food in creating memorable experiences and fostering connections among people. Our commitment to delivering exceptional culinary experiences ensures that every special occasion is elevated by the combination of fellowship and delectable cuisine.
I believe that food is life and food is love.
“Food is life, food is love” means that food is essential to our existence and brings joy and happiness to our lives. It emphasizes the importance of food in nourishing our bodies and souls, and the way it can bring people together and create meaningful connections. It suggests that food is not just a source of sustenance, but also a source of comfort, pleasure, and enjoyment.
As a caterer I help solve catering problems for clients by providing personalized menu suggestions based on dietary restrictions, preferences, and budget. I can also assist in coordinating logistics, such as delivery times and quantities, to ensure a smooth and successful catering experience. Additionally, I can help clients stay organized by keeping track of RSVPs, menu selections, and any special requests or considerations. Overall, I aim to streamline the catering process and alleviate any stress or uncertainty that clients may have when planning an event or gathering.
What sets The South In Your Mouth LLC apart from other companies is our personalized service. We take the time to understand each client’s unique needs and preferences, and tailor our menu and services to exceed their expectations. Commitment to sustainability: We source our ingredients locally and strive to reduce our environmental impact by using eco-friendly packaging and implementing sustainable practices in our operations.
I am extremely proud of the company’s growth trajectory. My long-term vision includes offering complimentary meals to marginalized families in my local community.
I am dedicated to delivering top-quality service to each of my clients and strive to exceed their expectations by putting forth diligent effort to ensure they have exceptional experiences.
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
My business partner at The South In Your Mouth LLC is my husband, Dawaun Washington. Our professional partnership began after we met in 2009, when I was his banker. We tied the knot in 2016, and since then, Dawaun has been a constant source of encouragement and support as I pursued my passion for catering. Recognizing my untapped potential, he persistently urged me to launch my own business, and I am grateful for his unwavering belief in me. Thanks to his encouragement, I took the leap into entrepreneurship and have not looked back.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
Throughout my professional journey, I have encountered several valuable lessons, one of which was the need to unlearn self-doubt. In the past, I often hesitated to share my ideas, fearing that they may not be up to par or deemed too unconventional. However, I have come to realize that my visions are meant to be shared, regardless of their perceived out-of-the-box nature. I now approach my ideas with confidence and fearlessness, trusting in their worth and potential impact.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: thesouthinyourmouthllc