Today we’d like to introduce you to Tamika Hurley-Carr.
Tamika, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My story starts over 20 years ago when my parents and I decided to open up a catering business in Atlanta. We were all in corporate, I was a Life Insurance Underwriter and both my parents were in Management positions of their companies. Everyone in my family cooks… everyone! We didn’t know where this new journey would lead too but we took it on anyway. Hence, RFA, “Richardsons Family Affair” Catering, was born.
We had great mentors who helped along the way such as, Ron Davis and Yolanda Reynolds. Ron assisted us in developing our craft and truly understanding the concepts of catering. He showed us the beauty of catering and how displaying food was just as important as the taste of food. Yolanda was our PR/Event Planner. Everywhere she went we went. She opened so many doors for us that was crazy!!
The catering company allowed me to grow and shape who I am now. I went to culinary school, I worked as some pretty awesome restaurants in Atlanta, and my greatest endeavor was being a Chef Mentor. Becoming a chef mentor allowed me to understand that giving is better than receiving. It allowed me to understand that my story is more than being a Chef it’s about a ministry. A ministry to give and to serve. Allowing myself to be less so that the kids I mentor become more. Now, one of those kids is my business partner.
Which brings me to the now. The doors of RFA Catering are no longer and new doors have been open for Fat Sisters, LLC. Alone with myself, and my two partners Genia Williams and Raphel Grant. Fat Sisters came to be from my heart. My financial/spiritual mentor, Liana Lehman Hall, at the time help me come up with the name and concept. I knew I wanted a name that represented who we are and where we are going. A lot of people don’t get that from our name until we give them the scripture, they shall bring forth fruit in old age, they shall be fat and flourishing.
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?
Can’t say that the road has been easy. There were and still are some challenges and struggles. However, without them, I wouldn’t be who I am today. Anyone who tells you being an entrepreneur is easy… run! Facing financial challenges on a day by day basis is definitely a struggle. There are and were so many days when I just want to say no! Actually, at one point I did and moved to North Carolina. As you see I am back and at it again.
However, the biggest challenge has been and is my health. If anyone asks how Fat Sisters came alone, it’s really due to my health. I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease at the age of 30. Dealing with it for most of my childhood but not knowing what was causing my issues. As I got older I progressed until the last 10 years it’s been under controlled. Well, I go about pushing on and then over the last 2 1/2 yrs I have been diagnosed with Lupus/Arthritis and now BREAST CANCER. It’s like really!!!
All I can say, “What doesn’t kill you definitely makes you stronger.” Every day is a day by day for me. Every day is a new day for me. Every day is a new day for me to love and give back.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Fat Sisters – what should we know?
Fat Sisters is a Food Service Company in Atlanta. We specialize in preparing and creating healthy American Cuisine and specialty food products but with flavor. Of course, coming from our catering background we are known for catering. However, we started Fat Sisters with the creation of our jams and other specialty food products. From there, we opened our doors as, Fat Sisters Bistro in Hapeville. We specialized in the Cheeses (Panini), and Soups and salads.
We offer Chef Prep Meals that we create on a weekly basis. Specializing in High Protein and low carbs. As well, vegetarian and pescatarian. These meals can be picked up or delivered. We also, offer cooking Classes that I personally love.
What sets us apart from others is our versatility. We love food so therefore, we let it speak through the food. We want you to know that we work for you. People sometimes think that we don’t want the small intimate events, actually, those our favorite! We love coming into your homes and providing the Personal Chef Service.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Understanding that Listening, hearing, and learning never ends. Understanding that once you stop these three things you stop your ability to grow. Understanding that these three words are simply the key to WISDOM. Wisdom is the key to success. I never want to stop learning, listening, and hearing.
Pricing:
- Pescatarian Meal Package: 5 meals/$62.50* 10 meals/ $120.00* 15 meals/$172.50* 20 meals/ $220.00
- Poultry/Turkey Meal Packag: 5 meals/$57.50* 10meals/$110.00* 15meals/$157.50 *20meals/ $200.00
- Vegetarian Meal Package: 5meals/ $52.50* 10 meals/$100.00* 15meals/ $142.50 * 20meals/ $180.00
- Breakfast Meal Package: 5 meals/ $32.50 * 10 meals/ $60.00* 15 meals/ $82.0 * 20meals/ $100.00
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fat-sisters.com
- Phone: 678-242-9639
- Email: info@fat-sisters.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/fatsistersatlanta
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/fatsistersatlanta
- Twitter: www.facebook.com/cheftcarr
- Other: www.pinterest.com/fatsistersatl
Image Credit:
Keith Roberson
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