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

Trina, appreciate you joining us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

It was when I was five years old, that my life would change and I would begin to walk in my purpose. My big mama(mom) would put me in a chair on my knees at age five and she would explain spices and measurements for some of her amazing dishes. Not knowing these intimate moments I would share with her, that it was also preparing me for my purpose, cooking! It was a seed that was being planted into me at a young age, that God would allow it to grow more into me into my adult age.

Now, married with eight children, I already new how to cook for a small or large family and now that seven of them are grown and out the house, I still have a 10 year old at home. My big mama (mom) not only taught me how to cook for my family she also taught me to gift others with some of my amazing dishes and desserts! I have used what I’ve learned cooking at my church, youth groups, expecting mothers, death in a family, whatever occasion, I have served. My mom once told me anybody can go to the store and buy something, but when you take the time and cook a meal, it shows a person or family that you made time for them. Until this day, that has always stuck with me.

Cooking is my passion, however I never saw it as a business. I’ve had people to tell me, I was very good at what I do, that I should turn it into a business. I didn’t believe that at the time because of self doubt, lack of confidence and just not believing I can do it….I’m truly grateful for my family, who has pushed, encouraged and believed in me, before I did. I remember one day in 2019, my son DeAndre’ and his wife Jazmine came over and talked with me. My son and I were having a conversation about Purpose and he looked over at me and said “mom you shouldn’t be working for anyone, God has blessed you with so many gifts, when some people are trying to figure out the one gift.” That’s the moment I realized it was time! By the end of the night we three came up with an order form for the food we would be selling, prices and sizes. Once it was all setup, I launched my business on all my Social Media pages!

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?

Who is Trina Smith, a woman of God, I am a wife, mother of eight, cofounder of VOH Ministries, Founder of Women of Greatness, Founder of Fearless Girls Rock, Author, I homeschool my son and now the Owner of Inspired Treats by Trina. I’m sure some of you are saying, how do you manage all these things, God!!! I have worked in the corporate world, even in ministry and I realize sometimes you can give your all, stay late and work extra hours, yet not be appreciated. It wasn’t until the end of 2019, I told the Lord I am going to start my business, scared and all not really knowing what to do. I had to put my trust in God! After launching my business in 2019, the Covid pandemic hit. I can remember saying how is this going to work? But God! God sent so many people, that the orders begin to flow in continually.

My business name is Inspired Treats by Trina, that name came from the many moments I stood in my kitchen asking God for Creative dishes. I sell healthy dishes and a little not so healthy, I specialize in keto and healthy 500 calorie meal preps. I create some amazing deserts from Homemade Tea Cakes to Stuffed Oreo Chocolate Chip Cookies, etc….!

I have several clients that have special dietary needs. These same clients has said to me that when eating my food they don’t have to take their medication. I have some clients that have stated, that my food has helped them in their weight management. To say the least, I work with my clients to customize their nutritional needs!

What sets me apart from others is (Me) ok, my creativity to create different dishes. I do not cook with salt and my customers can not tell. Not only do I create, but God gives me the creativity when I stand in my kitchen. Every time I walk into my kitchen I ask the Lord to give me new ideas, He does it every time!

What I’m most proud of is that I finally got up and stop listening to the negative voices outside and inside of me. Making that move put me on this path of success!

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I would say the lesson I had to unlearn was “I can’t do this.” I had to take those words and forget them, because as long as I said those words I believed them. Not only that I had to surround myself with a network of like minded people, who consistently spoke positive and held me accountable.

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

N/A

Contact Info:

• Website: Shop.trinainspires.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trinainspires/
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/InspiredTreatsbyTrina