We recently connected with Trina C and have shared our conversation below.

Trina , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

In the beginning my passion for cooking was just a hustle to make extra cash. I liked cooking and people liked to eat. I started selling food out of my mom and friend’s houses that’s where my dream ignited. Then at the age of 19 my brother was tragically murdered in an act of gun violence. His death added fuel to my drive to turn my passion for cooking into a business. I took my pain, savings, faith and motivation to invest into GLotto’s Kitchen. I named my business not only in his memory, but because he knew my hustle, my drive; he believed in me. Although he isn’t physically here with me his spirit, my support system, and my city backing me the risk was greater than the reward. Being a 27 year old entrepreneur the grind didn’t stop for me. By any means necessary I had to do what I had to do to support this dream. I’ve driven dump trucks and hosted networking events to not only showcase my business, but give other young entrepreneurs the opportunity to showcase themselves. Showing support to them and in turn they showed support to me when I opened up my building here in Beaumont, Texas in which I had for a little while until I had an ATV accident. It resulted in me unfortunately having me to close my building, but having the building gave me the experiences I needed. Like anything in life it’s trial and error so we can learn from our shortcomings in order to grow. During that time of healing it gave me clarity with my hustle, ideas, desire to be successful and my faith in God; GLotto’s Kitchen will be in a city near you.

Trina , 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?

I’m Trina the CEO of GLotto’s Kitchen. I knew I had something special when I was 8 years old whipping up noodles in my mom’s kitchen. So every chance I got to cook or help cook I was picking up bits and pieces from everyone I watched cook as I was growing up. At 8 years old I knew my cooking was going to take me somewhere. As I got older and started selling plates I realized some of the business side of things. I had to learn to have more patience and a better way of communicating when I was working with others. Then when I opened my building in order to build a rapport with the community and my customers I offered loyalty cards. They buy 9 meals the tenth was on the house. Along with the loyalty rewards I also engaged with them personally and received the constructive criticism that was giving to me. I cook with love and in doing so I want my customers to know that I consider them family. I know they want to see me succeed so I’m not only going hard for myself, but for them as well.

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

I believe my most effective strategy for growing my clientele is marketing myself and my brand not only on social media, but around my community.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

My consistency and ability to stay fresh and cook different cuisines.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Glottokitchen
• Facebook: Glotto’s kitchen
• Linkedin: Glottoskitchen