We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Taneisha Bernal a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Taneisha thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Looking back, do you think you started your business at the right time? Do you wish you had started sooner or later
There is a saying that says nothing happens before it’s time. While I wish I had started my business sooner, there is no time like the present. I started my business in 2019 right before the pandemic. While working a corporate job, I was able to balance both which was not easy. Looking back the only thing I would change if I could was pouring more into myself and my business and less in corporate. In corporate you are building another persons brand while making them wealthier, which leaves you with little or no time to focus on your goals, dreams and family and often times you are just seen as a number and isn’t valued for your qualities, skills and talent. I would never regret corporate as it was my stepping stone to building my brand. I just wanted to remind anyone reading this that there is greatness inside you but you must reach deep to find it and believe In yourself. Be your best self always, the rest will fall into place as it should.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Taneisha Bernal. I am a mom of 2, my son Bryce is 9 years old and my daughter Brianna is about to be 16 years old. I got into the Catering/Private Chef business in 2019. I have always had a passion for cooking, Often times I’d offer to cook for small family gatherings etc and the feedback would always be amazing. I was going through some financial difficulties a few years ago and decided to start selling plates on Fridays which led me to clients reaching out asking about catering services and private chef services. As scared as I was, I tapped into my entrepreneurial side and decided to believe in myself, I took the chance. I am most proud of myself for the dedication and commitment I made to myself and my clients to deliver each time I have the opportunity to do so. Through all the adversities and roadblocks I’ve encounters I still remained positive and persistent. What sets me apart from others is the fact that I care, I aim to treat each individual with the same respect regardless of their status. We are all one and we should be treated equally. To any potential client. I’d love for you to know with me it’s an experience, prepare for a trip down memory lane with the authentic cooking Grandma made with a little razzle dazzle.
How did you build your audience on social media?
I began my Instagram page for my business in 2018. I also started my YouTube channel on or around 2017. At the time I was working at a Leasing Office as a Manager. I had a resident who believed so much in YouTube. She tried to convince me to start my YouTube channel and for 2 years I didn’t. She was persistent as she saw the vision more than I did. She remained patient with me. One day she sat me down and explained how she would help me grow and she did. Today I proudly call her my friend. Her name is NinaUnrated, she is still on YouTube providing me with the tools I need to succeed. Sharing tips and tricks on how to read algorithms and so on. She also directed me on how to manage and maintain my instagram which today is growing organically and is now at 11.9K. Thank you Nina for being patient with me and helping me tap into my purpose.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
Word of Mouth. Good news spreads. This is the best source for me. My social medias also has helped me get most of my clients if you aren’t already please follow me:
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @tcookswithflave
- Youtube: Tcookswithflave & T Timeline
- Other: https://linktr.ee/
Tcookswithflave - TikTok: tcookswithflave