We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Stephanie Rucker a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Stephanie, appreciate you joining us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

Launching a catering business without a clear roadmap was a risk and not knowing if my community would support and embrace me.

However, my eldest daughter, JeRae’, encouraged me with a simple yet powerful question: If not now, then when? That push led to the birth of Tweety’s—starting with nothing more than a name and a dream.

Determined to turn that dream into reality, I took the necessary steps—establishing an LLC, obtaining an EIN, and attending every business class I could find. While I gathered valuable information, I quickly realized that most programs weren’t tailored to food entrepreneurs.

Then, in the spring of 2023, Grand Rapids introduced a new program specifically for food entrepreneurs, and I was honored to be part of its first cohort. It was a risk—this was an entirely new approach for them—but I knew I had to take the opportunity to learn from those with more experience.

The program was transformative. I gained essential knowledge about scaling recipes, minimizing waste, understanding costs, and the intricacies of pricing—everything from ingredient costs to labor, packaging, and overhead. These insights reshaped how I approached my business and played a critical role in its growth.

Taking that leap made all the difference, and now, with a solid foundation, Tweety’s is on a path to even greater success.

Stephanie, 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?

Currently living in Grand Rapids Michigan. I am a wife of 32 years, a mother of three amazing adult children, and a proud Mema to three wonderful grandchildren.

Coming from a family of incredible cooks, I’ve always had a deep love for food and creativity in the kitchen. That passion led me to start Tweety’s, which is now a vegan catering business dedicated to proving that healthy eating can be both exciting and satisfying.

Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply looking for delicious, healthier options, my goal is to create dishes that make you feel like you’re not missing out.

I take great pride in perfecting plant-based versions of beloved classics—ribs, shrimp and grits, seafood boils, and catfish, to name a few. And of course, no meal is complete without something sweet! Our mouthwatering desserts, including peach cobbler, brownie delight, and cheesecake, ensure that indulgence and wellness go hand in hand.

Tweety’s specializes in crafting flavorful, hard-to-find vegan dishes that make plant-based eating more accessible and enjoyable. I’m incredibly proud of my journey, the growth of my business, and the success that’s still to come.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Tweety’s didn’t start as a vegan catering business—it began as a soul food venture, rooted in tradition and rich flavors. However, after facing serious health challenges, including high blood pressure and multiple mini-strokes, I was forced to take a step back and reevaluate my diet and lifestyle. That turning point led me to embrace plant-based eating, not just for myself but as a way to help others enjoy delicious, healthier alternatives.

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

I’ve found that entering non-vegan events has been a game-changer for growing my clientele. The most common feedback I receive is, “I can’t even tell it’s vegan!”—which has led to an increase in followers and customer requests. Offering samples at these events has also proven to be a powerful way to attract new clients, giving people a taste of what Tweety’s has to offer. Social media has played a key role in expanding my reach, allowing me to connect with more people who are excited about delicious, plant-based comfort food.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Tweetysgr
• Facebook: Tweetysgr