Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Xazia Reynolds. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Xazia, thanks for joining us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

As far as the food and hospitality industry I think the thing that has helped me the most is having an open mind. There is always something to learn from the person you are standing next to. They may have a great idea or a fast and more efficient way of doing something and it will save you so much time. Once you close yourself off to learning and growing you are doing yourself a great disservice.

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?

I am Xazia Reynolds the owner and chef of Chef X.Rey and So Eggcited llc. Chef X. Rey is my personal chef and restaurant consulting business and So Eggcited LLC is my gourmet egg roll company. I got into the food and hospitality industry 12 years ago. I started my own business about 9 years ago and really took it serious and 4 years ago. I offer personal chef services to corporate companies as well smaller clientele that require a chef for special events. I host popup dinner parties and events not just for myself but a fundraiser for other business owners. I host cooking classes online that people can sign up for or learn at their own pace.

I also consult businesses on the behind the scenes work that they need to make sure they are turning a profit, training, menu revamping if needed. I also help other future entrepreneurs get started with their business and brainstorming ideas.

So Eggcited LLC is a new concept for a food truck that I have been working on for a while and look forward to launching officially soon.

The thing that I am most proud of is all of the customers I get to touch with my food and business owner that I get to help get started on the right path to being successful; because when they win I win.

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

It would have to be at the start of 2020 with the Covid. I was lucky enough where I had just sign a contract with a client for 6 months that allowed me to work through the first half of the year. However once that contracted ended I was just like everyone else. At home with my family and essentially unemployed. The world had to move different and as a personal chef we strive off people coming together and now I was in a world that was forcing people to be 6 feet apart. So I took a month to write down and come up with way to still provide my services to people while staying safe. I created a recipe book and started online cooking classes to help everyone who was at home learn how to make some of their favorite meals.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Honesty its a tie between word of mouth and being and walking billboard for yourself. I always make sure I am wearing a shirt, hat or jacket that promotes my business. I pass out flyers and cards whenever I can and always spark conversation with people wherever I am. You have to be your best advocate. Also having a great spirit and staying positive; you never know who you are talking to and everyone is a potential client no matter what you are selling.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.Chefxrey.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/chefxrey
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/chefxrey
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/xaziareynolds
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCelXoGuK1DUkecGURaTLT3Q