Today we’d like to introduce you to Janelle Spencer.
Janelle, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I discovered my passion for all things culinary at an early age. Beginning at the age of 13, it was watching my Grandmother prepare big family meals in the kitchen, observing my mother bake cheesecakes and my God Father teaching me the basic techniques with cooking. From there, I became obsessed with cooking and was eventually dubbed the family chef for family gatherings, birthdays, etc. I also honed in on my homemade cheesecake baking skills, which is now a dessert that my catering business specializes in. After moving from Richmond, VA to Atlanta back in 2009, and receiving my degree in Culinary from the Arts Institute of Atlanta, starting my own catering business was my ultimate goal.
Being a mother of four with everyday bills and student loans, it was a must to find employment while working towards that goal. I worked in the corporate world for seven years before taking a step on faith, to quit my corporate job and pursue my dream as a personal chef and caterer this past February. Since then, I have been booked for events through the month of May of 2019. Sometimes, catering service fees can be expensive. My catering business was birthed from the idea that anyone should be able to afford a caterer for their special day or event.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not a smooth road; however having a strong support team, a positive mindset and a plan help with the transition. I’ve experienced bankruptcy after a divorce, then suffered from a total loss car accident which led to depression all within the last two years. My circle grew smaller and my support came from friends/family and even co-workers who provided me with the motivation and tools that I needed to keep moving towards my dream. I would say to those that are starting their journey, always believe in yourself and when faced with adversity, don’t get distracted and don’t give up.
Please tell us about Pieces of Me Catering.
Janelle Spencer is a Culinary Chef and the owner of Pieces of Me Catering, a catering service that serves Atlanta and surrounding areas. Chef Spencer offers a plethora of creative and colorful food menu options, as well as the traditional standbys. Not only will Pieces of Me Catering cater to your event, but also to your budget. Pieces of Me Catering will go the extra mile to give its esteemed customers value for their money irrespective of the size of their budget. In addition to your traditional catering service, we offer personal chef services and meal prep options. We also specialize in custom cheesecakes, that are made to order.
We are different because we cater to your budget. We take into consideration your preferences and special request while providing options to fit your financial needs.
Do you think there are structural or other barriers impeding the emergence of more female leaders?
The culinary world was once dominated by male chefs. A woman’s place was in the kitchen, at home; but a professional kitchen for years was almost exclusively a man’s world. Fortunately for me, I am able to admire and study techniques and cooking styles of female chefs that have helped to pave the way in this male dominating industry such as Julia Chiles, Alice Waters, and Edna Lewis, just to name a few. One barrier that I noticed early on in this industry was that some female chefs found it impossible to balance the competing demands of having a family and heading a restaurant.
Finding that balance takes time and a special talent that can be cultivated over time. This is why I chose the catering side over the restaurant in the culinary industry. I am able to meet the needs of my business and still be active with my children.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.piecesofmecatering.com
- Phone: 470-396-0904
- Email: piecesofmecatering@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://pikstagram.com/pieces_of_me_catering
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/ChefJanelle/about/
Image Credit:
Janna Pankey, Selema Patton
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