We recently connected with Tasha Rivers and have shared our conversation below.
Tasha, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with important influences in our lives. Is there a historical figure you look up to?
Madame CJ Walker has always been my favorite for many reasons. Firstly as I was a child in first grade I had to do a Black History Report. I was told she invented the straightening comb and I admired her just because she was the woman who found a way to get my hair straightened. But as I gotten older and did my own research I realized she did not. However, she did so much more! She was the first Black Woman to be a self made millionaire! Her story enlightened me, inspired me & made me believe I can do that too! Secondly, her strength, courage & passion to stand up for herself no matter what anyone told her or even tried to compete was not a discouragement to her; it made her stronger. Lastly the movie put some kind of spark into me that inspired me even more. It reminded me so much of myself. When someone says “I can’t” I make it my duty to show them “I can”. I felt that every time she came into a roadblock or someone tried stepping in her path she grew stronger and more eager to reach her goal. Saying “No” to me is my ammunition. She reminds me so much of myself. I wish I had the opportunity to personally meet this powerful woman.
Tasha, 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?
Arts and crafts has always been my niche. I have always loved the idea of making something out of nothing. Rather it was taking old worn out clothes and dazzling it up with stones, rips and puff paint back in the 90’s during that hip hop era or making flavored ice cubes when I was around 8 years old and selling them for 5 cents or rock candy and putting them on popsicle sticks to making gold/beaded jewelry to becoming a hairstylist and cooking for all of my clients. I have many talents. However, I knew there was something special about my clients who came to get their hair done and looking forward to eating my food. There was a point I wasn’t sure if they were more pleased about their new do or their meal. lol
One day one of my clients asked if I could make a few dishes for an affair she was having (I was shocked), I had no idea how to price it, package it or anything. But I was up for the challenge and the opportunity to do something different. The feedback from her event was great! I was so happy and anticipating the next opportunity. From there the word spread and I had to go with it(ready or not). Not prepared at all just went with the flow of things. People asked me to make whatever, I came up with my own pricing and went with the flow of things. That’s how I came up with the name Flowing Rivers. Not only does the name pair well with my last name but I actually was going with the flow. No menu, barely any help, no knowledge on how to actual cater to a large crowd just making it work. And it did, until it became a bit overwhelming. I realized I needed help, I needed more knowledge on how to run a business and handle food, I needed organization with building a menu that would be practical that my customers could follow. There was so much more than just preparing and serving food. So I began to network and join online webinars that assisted me with everything I needed to know about running a food business. I then implemented a staff, legalizing my business and started assisting others with how to do the same. I have found it being extremely rewarding to know that I am able to share that knowledge with other potential business owners. I have found that making people happy makes me happy. Seeing others enjoying the fruits of my labor warms my heart. I know that any successful function needs a good/well put together meal and when people are put in a place with nothing to talk about they will discuss how great the food is. Food brings people together. Food can change a whole atmosphere. Good food is and always will be the one thing that can make an angry crowd flow in togetherness. My ultimate goal is for my Flowing Rivers brand to flourish and make others eager to learn simple skills in the kitchen. There are many of home made chefs or people who just love to entertain for their friends and family and have no idea how to make toast or even hold a knife. I want to be able to create a fun atmosphere that will allow individuals to come together or alone to show them simple ways of flowing in the kitchen and leaving them with the confidence and know how to prepare a meal for their family and or friends. My brand stands for love and laughter amongst good eats. I know when I’m hosting a crowd I am always making everyone laugh and feel comfortable. I’m always prepared to answer questions about the food and helpful tips.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
After many of years of cooking in 2010 I decided to finally move forward to grow my business. Once I have gotten some things in place in 2013 my oldest brother and I implemented some great ideas and a different menu to help with growing my business. So I prepped all of the items we decided to put on the menu made up some flyers to sale them for a test run so people can get an idea of what’s to come. Within a couple days of the launch my brother was murdered and I was left to use all of the food that was prepared for his funeral. I was tormented and never wanted to cook again. I then went on to pursue my career in nursing and worked as a nursing assistant as I continued my education as a registered nurse. During that process I began to heal and I was constantly being bombarded with people asking me to do events or cheesecakes I have had to explain I was not doing it anymore many of times. Then I finally gave in to donating some cheesecake hors devour as a favor to a friend for their grand opening to their store in a local mall. I enjoyed it so much! It was like a spark was lit somewhere inside of me. During her grand opening I was asked to make some for a gender reveal. Little did I know it was for a talk show cohost for a television show where they would be displayed and my business would be acknowledged on national television. I then felt I was where I needed to be. Shortly afterwards I decided to pursue my dreams and put my all into my business.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
The year I decided to go full blast with my business was 2019. Everything was going well. Shortly after we were hit with COVID. I immediately had to stop dead in my tracks and rethink if I have made the right decision. But I knew I could not give up! So I went back to basics and started joining webinars to get better insight on how to successfully operate during this pandemic. I then realized I had to take some major losses cut back on help, buy PPE, buy extra equipment and safe handling food supplies and also use social media as my primary source of communication. Making my customers aware of what was happening and making them comfortable knowing I understood the importance of keeping them safe with me using the right equipment and supplies and handling their food with care. Although I definitely did not make much money during that time I have gained many more customers from that and was able to gain more respect because of my dedication.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.Flowingriverssoulofphilly.com
- Instagram: Flowingriverscheesecakeexperts
- Facebook: Flowing Rivers Soul of Philly
Image Credits
Karen Witherspoon, Carolyn Pendleton, Regina Mitchell, Heather Walka