We were lucky to catch up with Zwena Killikelly recently and have shared our conversation below.

Zwena , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later

I actually started my business In high school. At that time it was not official, but use to sell banana pudding and cheesecake cups to my classmates. That was my side hustle until Covid happened. When covid hit I honestly did not know what I wanted to do, but I knew I wanted to go to culinary school after high school. During the pandemic, I started really trying to perfect my craft. That is when I officially came up with my name and my ideas behind selling plates of food. Something I made all the time was pasta and that became one of the first plates I sold. I personally wish I was more serious about starting sooner. I really became an actual business at the beginning of this year in March. I was excited. but scared. I had to learn to take risks and invest in myself and my business. I believe that as my business continues to grow there is always going to be something more to add.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I am Zwena Killikelly. I have always wanted to be a chef but really did not know how to go about it. I found peace in cooking, serving others, and seeing smiles on people’s faces. I did not know what I wanted to do in the culinary industry until recently, but I knew I wanted to do big things. My ideas for my business have changed over time from catering to personal chef and I have figured that I can do both. I have had people help me along the way and guide me into actually starting my business and doing business. I have learned that I have to be committed to everything and put my all into maintaining my business. I went to culinary school to perfect my craft and learn the actual industry not what you see on the outside. That taught me professionalism, and disciple and trained me to be the chef I am today. I provide catering services, meal prep, and personal dinner parties for my clientele. I give my clients a fine dining experience in the comfort of their own homes. I give a solution to the question “What’s for dinner tonight?” I want my clients to know that I provide a service tailored specifically toward them and they do not have to go out and dress up to have a wonderful food experience. I want everyone to be able to experience a luxurious dinner even if it’s at home with friends and family. Food brings everyone together no matter what.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

SCORE is a website where I found my mentor. It was 100% free and you are able to get help from an experienced person in your industry. This website help me find my mentor as I mentioned before and he has helped me tremendously. I have gone through specific steps in building my business for launch. I have gone through small steps like licenses needed, for business plans so that I am able to conduct business. I also have books to encourage me to continue business even on my hard days. I have support from other business owners and I even reach out on social media for help and guidance sometimes.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Honestly, I started building my audience from my personal page. I would look up different restaurants and personal chefs to help with creativity. I started slowly following people that I wanted to serve. They either followed me or they did not. You should try finding different types of people that are in your target market so they are able to see what you can do for them. Social media is personally an area that I am still working on. Seeking your audience can be hard but I would go to popup shops and different events to promote my business. You have to sell yourself in order to get clients.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: psalmsfood_
• Facebook: Zwena Killikelly
• Twitter: z_zwena

Image Credits
@shotsbydoodah