Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Middleton.
Ashley, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always had a passion for cooking. My passion came from watching my grandmother in the kitchen growing up. When I was in high school, I used to steal my mama’s groceries and cook at school in our culinary arts class and give away food. When I graduated in 2011, I moved to Statesboro, GA. I ran across four special people Boont, Trouble, Kentrell, and David. I used to cook only for them. Once they seen how good I could cook, they would tell their family and friends. I started cooking for free feeding them and their friends. Boont and Kentrell used to always tell me I cook too good to just be giving stuff away for free and I should start selling plates. I started small with like 5 dollar plates. Over time, my name begins to get big down there. I dropped out of college and decided to follow my passion. At first, things weren’t moving fast but it wasn’t slow either. One day I got up in the middle of the night put flyers on people’s cars and doors. The next day I had a plate sale and my clientele went through the roof. I started doing catering. I even quit jobs I was working just to cook every day. My brother Ralph saw my potential and invested in me. Ever since then, it’s been up!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, most definitely haven’t been a smooth ride. I experienced so many obstacles that made me want to stop as a whole. However, I have a plan and I always tell myself I am not stopping until I get to the top.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a cook/chef. I provided private dinners, catering as well as plate sales. My specialty is soul food but I am trying to hit every food group. What sets me apart from others is I’m me. I focus solely on myself. I do not see anyone else. I do not care if I get 1000 likes or 2. I know someone is always watching. I am so confident in myself. Every day I’m growing and I’m learning. I’ll never stop educating myself.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
No matter what time of day or night Tavaris is always going to pick up the phone for me to motivate me or simply just be a listening ear. He is always sending me new things to try. As well as paying for any classes I want to take.
Kentrell/Boont/David/ Ralph/Trouble. It started with them. They made me realize my potential and pushed me daily to be great. As well as invested me. Ralph and David are my business partners as well. Everyday I wish Kentrell and Boont was still here to witness the person they have molded me into.
Robert is my dad and my accountant. I always consult with my dad first before I do anything.
Niro, Kelci, Justice, Ashanti, Big Man, Code, Trouble, and Sheshe are all close friends. They play major parts and hold roles in my business as well as personal life.
DeeJ is one of the reasons my clientele increased so much. He always through my name out there to his family and friends. When he would come buy a plate, he was bringing no less than ten people every time.
Mrs. Hall gave me my blueprint when I started taken it serious. Giving me business plans and business goals and being a go to person to talk to about whatever.
Tavaris is my blood brother
Kentrell/Boont is my bestfriend
Robert is my dad
Niro, Kelci, Justice, Ashanti, Big Man, Code, Trouble Deej close friends
Mrs.Hall- life coach.
Every single one of them plays a very important role in my business and life.
Ralph, David, Boont, Kentrell, Tavaris, Ashanti, Trouble, Big Man, and my dad has been in my corner since day one; they have been my go to my main support system.
Everybody else came along the way and started being a big asset to my business whether is supporting, promoting giving encouraging words or investing.
DeeJ is one of the reasons my clientele increased so much. He always through my name out there to his family and friends. When he would come buy a plate, he was bringing no less than ten people every time.
Mrs. Hall gave me my blueprint when I started taken it seriously. Giving me business plans and business goals and being a go to person to talk to about whatever.
Pricing: starting prices
- Private dinner starts $250
- Baby Showers starts $350
- Corporate Packages starts $500
- Weddings starts $450
- Brunch starts $250
Contact Info:
- Email: cashkitchen@icloud.com
- Website: www.cashkitchen.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CashKitchen
