Today we’d like to introduce you to Chef Erica Renee’ .
Hi Chef Erica Renee’, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Cooking has always been a part of my life. In my early childhood years, I stayed in the kitchen helping my mom prepare food when she had her own catering company. I always thought she was so dope for having her own business and it was her niche because she cooks so effortlessly! When holidays came around, I would always convince my family to let me prepare one of the traditional dishes with my own little spin on it. I would also find myself creating random dishes often testing my own culinary skills! Being kitchen savvy has always come easy to me and is something that I pride myself on.
I am a native of Winston-Salem, NC and proud HBCU graduate of North Carolina Central University. Had someone told me in college, I wouldn’t be a music A & R but yet a Chef, I would have laughed in their face! I just knew I had a calling in the music industry, but now that I think back on how my roommates used to devour my cooking, that should have made me realize early on what my true talent was!
It would take me two moves to Atlanta before I chose to focus more on branding my culinary talents and navigate the ATL chef life. It was 2018 when I randomly made a meal prep for my cousin and she took my infamous Chicken Lettuce Wraps to work. I ended up with like 15 orders for the next day and I wasn’t I even selling my food at the time! I was so mad at her for promoting a business I didn’t even know I had! Lol My weeks became filled with orders and that led me to create my very first food business venture, Pronto Platez and my alter ego, Ur Cook Bae!
For the next few years, I sold plates, meal prepped, worked as a private Sous Chef and catered events; anything to get my name out there! As my business grew, I wanted to revamp my brand so I started Ur Cook Bae & Co. LLC, where I house all of my culinary business endeavors.
As I continued to build my brand, I wanted to elevate my level of servicing clientele. I began to offer Private Chef experiences where I could create an intimate dining space and tasteful interactive culinary moments with my clients. I’ll never forget when I got booked for my first Private Chef experience for a party of 25. It was a success and all I kept thinking to myself was, “I can’t believe I pulled it off!” That was my confirmation that my ideas were possible to make a reality and it was on from there!
Sometimes I sit back and reflect on the connections, mentorship and work experiences I’ve had since I’ve began my culinary journey and I know that it has all lead me to where I am today. I feel blessed to have such a diverse clientele who support my business and believe in my culinary talents not only in Atlanta but throughout the East Coast. I am always trying to find ways to stay innovative in an industry where you have to keep a hunger for the hustle. The culinary opportunities I receive as an up and coming Private Chef make it more evident to me that my passion for food, cooking and service is my also my calling and purpose that I WILL share to with the world. I’m going to always strive to “Provide a Tasteful Vibe”.
– Chef Erica Renee’ aka Ur Cook Bae
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Being an entrepreneur is never a smooth road. I have gone from multiple bookings to having nothing come through. I have experienced financial struggles, personal and mental struggles wondering if I’m really cut out for this. I have made mistakes while actually working with my clients, I even had to move back home one time because I wanted this life and entrepreneurship can cost you everything sometimes. One thing I remember I always remind myself to stay the course is that I chose this route. When you’re in your own lane traveling a road unknown, there is no GPS for direction. You have to use your faith and strength to guide you!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have a professional experience in food management/service, customer service, credit banking, health insurance, sports administration, community behavioral health.
I am a jack of all trades when it comes to my corporate professionalism. I believe the more you know, the more you grow!
One of my career highlights was working for the Atlanta Braves. It was challenging yet rewarding and a historical moment in time! Lol
I am most proud of being a black woman entrepreneur!
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
My take on risk is TO TAKE THE RISK!!! The second time I moved to Atlanta it was on a whim. I packed up my things in storage, cashed out my savings and was out! I had a plan and I knew I had a purpose. Had I not taken that risk, you wouldn’t be reading this!
Contact Info:
- Email: urcookbae@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/urcookbae
- Facebook: facebook.com/urcookbae
Image Credits
branD Productions, LLC
