We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Vanessa Lawrence. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Vanessa below.

Hi Vanessa, thanks for joining us today. What’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?

The kindest thing anyone has done for me business-wise, was late 2020 in the middle of a pandemic. I go to check the mailbox and I found where a formal colleague and great friend of mine sent me a beautiful inspirational card along with check for $1500 . It literally blew my mind and I began to cry immediately. It definitely came as a surprise because I had just spoke with my friend on the phone and she never alluded to it.. it was to say that she believed in me and she believed in what I was doing.. it was so thoughtful and unbelievable at the same time. It was hard to believe that people in this world still would do something just because without any ill will or hitting motive..

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?

My name is Vanessa Lawrence, I am a 44-year-old black owner of Vee’s Catering and Spice Rubs. I was born and raised in Mississippi as well as spent 14 years and Denver Colorado where I attended culinary school. I am the mother of one beautiful daughter, Jirah Lawrence that is the core of my inspiration and why my brand was built in the first place. I have always had a love for cooking and later on catering. After surviving homelessness twice in my life, I have always had a great work ethic so that I can show my daughter that through hard work, things will pan out if we stick to it. If we follow our dream. If we stay focused and not give up! I wanted to pass along my love of food along with recipes that my daughter could have to help build her family one day. My inspiration has always been to teach others that did not know how to cook basic recipes, how to do just that. We live in a world of fast food and most people either do not know how to cook, or just simply not interested. It’s not always about fancy meals or fancy recipes. It is just about getting into the kitchen and giving it a goal. Because I could not cook for every person, creating a line of spice rubs what’s my gift to the world. I had always mixed spices when I worked at Mount Saint Vincent home, because I could not find seasonings that I was accustomed to using in the South so I created my own. Now I am able to share with the world. Although I have a small business and I am looking forward to expanding as resources allow me to, I know that everything that I have to offer will benefit each home across the globe. I just want everyone to feel the love that I feel when I cook. I often get lost in cooking..

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One lesson I had to unlearn in the food service industry is that there is a place for ME! We all know that the food service industry is male dominated, Knowing that alone made me work hard. But I also knew I had to work a lot harder being a African-American chef. That is definitely not something that you see everyday. Cooking came natural to me and I just remember always wanting to know more as well as try so many different types of food. I wanted people to unlearn many myths about soul food cooking, so I had to introduce it to my fellow Coloradoians. I had to bring the culture that I love so much and have appreciated all of my life to an area not necessarily known for that type of food. I would do it all over again if I had the opportunity.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

I like many businesses, I did not have large capital to start it. I relocated from Denver Colorado to Hattiesburg Mississippi in the midst of a pandemic not knowing how hard things would be. I ended up selling my car to help fund my business as well as a generous donation from a formal colleague and friend. I just took a leap of faith, and thankfully I am still here. Things have been very hard, but I am also determined. I trust that I am in the right place at the right time for whatever the next move May be. I just do not want to go into debt doing so. I am going to continue to work hard and trust that my sales will increase. I have the determination and I will not give up on my business again.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.veescateringllc.com