Today we’d like to introduce you to Chef Ash Nicole.
Chef Ash Nicole, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have been passionate about food for as long as I can remember. My great grandmother, whom my family dearly called Mamo. She was a professional cook and baker. Mamo made everything from scratch and put so much love into her food. She had a major influence on me. I struggled in my adolescence with confidence in my food. Even though my children, family and friends kept telling me how great my food tasted and that I should do it professionally. I was scared that if I tried, I would fail. It was not until I hit rock bottom that I decided to no longer be held back by fear and decided to chase my dreams. I started my business in November of 2017 while enrolled full-time in culinary school. I also worked full-time while catering on the weekends. Upon completion of school, I got hired as a personal chef by a business consulting firm. I missed my culinary graduation and was flown to Aruba to cook for twenty-four people, three meals a day for one week. It was the hardest I ever worked in my life but also the experience was the most rewarding. I knew at that moment that I was living in my purpose. I stayed focused, working on my goals and never looked back.
Has it been a smooth road?
The ride has not been easy. There have been many challenges and lessons I had to learn along the way. I struggled with figuring out pricing, learning about contracts, legalities and insurance. I learned that not everyone in your life will believe in you and support your dreams especially when you are first starting your business. Including my family and friends. Having your own business you will spend a lot of money, so you must love what you do because it while take time to make good money. Business is up and down. You have really good weeks and then you have some bad ones. The key components that helped me through my struggles was remaining extremely positive and consistent.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Just Like Mamos story. Tell us more about the business.
Just like Mamos is a personal chef service and intimate catering company. I offer meal preps, one on one and group style cooking classes. Shipping is also offered for my baked goods. What sets my company apart from others in the industry is that my cooking is very versatile. I make a wide range of different types and styles of food. I cater to every client’s particular needs whether its vegan, vegetarian or pescatarian. I put a lot of love into my dishes as well as flavor. I describe my style as “elevated comfort food” my own little twist on familiar dishes. I love to create with a lot of sweet and savory flavors as well as incorporating some spice. My ultimate goal is for every client that indulges in a dish of mine to taste the love in every bite as well as the flavor. I want them to have that “WOW” effect and left wanting more.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
In the next 5-10 years, I see my industry continuing to grow bigger. I see the health crave taking over full force with more plant-based options and creating more dishes substituting familiar unhealthy favorites. I see veganism in more households. The food industry will always spread bigger, better and filled with more surprises to shock our taste buds.
Contact Info:
- Email: bloomingwithchefash@gmail.com
- Instagram: @justlikemamos
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