We were lucky to catch up with Vivian Jackson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Vivian, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We believe kindness is contagious and so we’d love for you to share with us and our audience about the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?

One of the kindest things anyone has ever done for me was believing in me when I was just getting started.

In the beginning, I didn’t have a big setup or a lot of resources — I just had a passion for cooking, a dream, and the determination to make it work. I was doing what I could with what I had, taking orders, posting my food, trying to grow little by little.

And what I’ll never forget is how people showed up for me in ways I didn’t even ask for.

Sometimes it was something as simple as a random Cash App sent with a message like, “Keep going, I’m proud of you.” Other times it was people recommending me to their friends, sharing my page, or supporting my plates when they didn’t have to.

But one moment that really stuck with me was when someone actually bought me a deep freezer — just so I could store more product and keep growing.

That wasn’t just a freezer to me.

That was someone saying, “I see what you’re building. I see your hustle. And I want to help you take it further.”

In that moment, I felt overwhelmed in the best way — because it reminded me that I wasn’t doing it alone. That people believed in my gift, even before everything was fully established.

It meant so much because it wasn’t just support… it was investment. And it pushed me to keep going, to work harder, and to make sure I honor every person who helped me along the way.

Vivian, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Viv, and I’m the founder of Aunt Viv’s Kitchen Personal Chef and Catering Co. My journey into the culinary world began with a love for creating meaningful experiences through food. I’ve always believed that a great meal is about more than just eating — it’s about connection, celebration, and comfort.

I started Aunt Viv’s Kitchen in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and what began as a passion quickly grew into a business built on creativity, quality, and personal service. Over the years, I’ve developed my style as a chef by cooking a wide variety of cuisines and learning how to bring bold flavors together in a way that feels exciting, elevated, and unforgettable.

Today, I provide personal chef services and catering for private dinners, events, and special occasions. My menus range from comfort classics to vibrant Asian fusion-inspired dishes, and I love being able to tailor each experience to my clients’ unique tastes and vision.

What truly sets Aunt Viv’s Kitchen apart is the level of care and intention behind every plate. I’m very hands-on, and I work closely with clients to make sure every detail feels personal. I don’t just want people to enjoy the food — I want them to remember the experience.

Listen, I’m big on flavor. You’re gonna crave it.

I’m most proud of building a brand that reflects my growth as a chef and my purpose as a business owner. Aunt Viv’s Kitchen is rooted in passion, excellence, and creating moments people can truly savor.

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

The biggest thing has been word-of-mouth. If I deliver a great experience and that flavor hits, people remember it — and they tell everybody. One event always turns into the next booking. Consistency, personal connection, and food people crave has been my winning strategy.

How did you build your audience on social media?

My social media audience started very organically. When I was in Fayetteville, North Carolina, I was cooking all the time — it was just something I loved doing. I started posting my food on Instagram simply because I was proud of it, and people began to pay attention.

Eventually, I started doing plate sales, especially Chinese-inspired dishes, and I would post them consistently. I wasn’t trying to be perfect — I was just being real, showing what I was cooking, what was available, and letting people feel like they were part of the process.

One of the biggest things that helped me grow was interaction. I wasn’t just posting pictures — I was using my stories, asking questions, getting followers involved, letting them vote on menu items, and making it feel personal. That engagement turned followers into supporters, and supporters into customers.

For anyone just starting out, my advice would be: be consistent, be authentic, and don’t overthink it. Post your work, tell your story, and connect with people. Social media isn’t just about marketing — it’s about building community. And if your product is strong, especially when it comes to food… the audience will come , I promise .. pinky :)

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/auntvivskitchen?igsh=NXQzNmhpM3ZyMW0%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18FeRNxRYU/?mibextid=wwXIfr