We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Victoria “ToriAnn” Coburn-Harriel a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Victoria “ToriAnn”, appreciate you joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

Good Day to any one reading this, My name is Victoria Coburn-Harriel. I proudly hold both my Mother’s and my Father’s last names. I was raised in a military family; both of my parents served in the United States Air Forces. From my father and grandmother I learned loyalty, respect, and love for the community that raised me. From my mother’s side of the family I learned a good work ethic, and a drive to make sure no harm would come to any one in need. Overtime, I used all those lessons to continue moving forward spreading encouragement and human decency when no one is looking. From a young age I was exposed to a predator. The unknown exposure (on my family’s part) lead to my eventual diagnosis of Multiple Personality Syndrome in 2016 now know as Dissociative Identity Disorder. With the embarrassment and now diagnosis I had received I wanted to do anything I could to continue to make an impact on society. Throughout high school and most of college I was able to hide my good deeds behind events that were already being held. As I went on the journey to get myself mentally healthy I chose to branch out on my own and give myself credit for the work I was doing within my community. My adolescent years were spent with self hatred and excuses for why it was okay for me to continue to be a punching bag behind doors as long as I was presenting as a “Strong Black Woman” to the rest of society. Until this very day I do not have ful recall on my childhood. just blank fuzzy spots that make me cry. But that very feeling is what drove me to create the Adopt-A-Grandparent Program, Appreciate Your Teacher All Year; which includes buying school supplies for the year for a grade or classroom with end of year gifts to teachers nominated by students and parents, as well as an annual Father’s Day kickback saying thank you to all the wonderful fathers in the community. With my sons’ father leading the way we have a great time every year.
I do not go into great detail about my past because in my mind it may be relevant to how I got here the outcome and seeing the small impact I make on others is what sticks with me the most. Even though I have moved on from places of work and moved to different cities. I remember the names of each and everyone I worked with and the lessons that came with our interactions.

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 Victoria Coburn-Harriel. I am a full time caterer who learned from my Grandma Pearline you can solve any problem with a good meal and a calm soul. I work hard to earn extra funding to give back to my community in any way I know how. I feel Jonathan and James: A Blend of the South LLC and Pearlines Community are different from other catering service and potential non profits because we show and work with our communities. We want to present achievable opportunities and work with the communities we go into to become family not just a profit bottom line. Right now we are a mom and pop shop. A hole in the wall find in Colorado Springs. We hope to hear from you.

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

Simple answer. I worked Doubles at any job that would pay overtime. I made a schedule and stuck too it. If and when I had time I picked up extra shifts and saved every dollar I could. Even now I am still in the beginning stages but working non stop and knowing how to cook $15 meals helped a ton. My prices now are based off what meals I cooked for me and my first born when I first started out.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Pearline’s Community started off as a Daycare Business. After I had my first son, I moved back in with my parents and started working again. Where I worked with the elderly in assisted living facilities. I catered during both but my passion for learning and joining communities exponded.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @jonathan_james_catering
• Other: [email protected] or [email protected] for catering requests larger than 10