Meet Mark Phillips of Southern Temptation

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Phillips.

Mark, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My culinary influence started at a young age being around my family during holidays and special occasions. It was something about food that connected all of us together. My uncle had a mini farm, both my mother and father worked in food service in some capacity, and my aunts cooked as well. I must say then birth my love for cooking.

Although visual arts is my first love; culinary arts has a hold on me. In middle school I took”Home Ec” (Economics) and then in high school I attended classes focusing on culinary. While in high school I was known as “Candy Man” I started out selling candy, then cakes and eventually plates of food.

From there, I decided to attend Johnson & Wales University in North Miami where I majored in Culinary Arts (AA) and Food Service Management (BA). I did not work in my field of study full time until I moved to Atlanta. However, I did intern and worked under other chefs part-time after completing my degree.

Upon my arrival to Atlanta, I worked my up from line cook, head cook, sous chef, head chef and eventually Executive Chef. The journey has been a continued learning roller coaster, and I am happy that I’m living and working in my gift as a full-time Personal Chef & Caterer. I still dabble in the visual arts in my free time!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has not been a smooth road nor do I believe it should be. Those bumps in the road helps you grow; because they are unpredictable and most times unwanted in the midst but necessary when you seek the lesson. As a entrepreneur some days will be great and some days will be horrible. It is important to keep positive people around you, continuously educated yourself, and find sources of inspiration

I’ve had to borrow money, file for bankruptcy, work two jobs, laid off, had some failures, live with family members, have character be question, catfished and money stolen from me.  Ones ego can be motivating yet dangerous when too much idle time is spent.  My struggles are not unique to just me; however, I believe its 10 % of what happens to you and 90% of how you react.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Southern Temptation – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Southern Temptations is a business the encompass catering, personal chef, food styling, brand activation, recipes, and culinary events.

I specialize in creating food dishes that are not only taste good but look appetizing, beautiful works of art, and marrying various aspects of the industry. My creativity spills over into all the previous mentions, and I love the attention to detail.

I believe what sets me apart is my background, my love for the arts which lends itself to a tangible experience.

I am most proud in believing in myself and doing the work to get closer to my dreams and desires. I am also proud that I am able to share my talents with those around me and be a impact on peoples lives in a positive way.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
My plans are to eventually have my own restaurant; in fact, two different styles. The first of the restaurant will be concept driven that is currently in the planning stages, and the other will be more fine dining with a casual flare.

I am looking forward to more food styling, partnering with more brands to lend my take on their products and adding my creative twist. I also want to continue to travel the world cooking for people all over and building a team and family to share it all with. Also, I’m planning to have a quarterly dinner series where people can come enjoy my food with a wine pairing and intimate conversation.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.southerntemptation.com
• Phone: 404-985-5045
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @ChefSouthernTemp
• Facebook: facebook.com/SouthernTemptation
• Twitter: @SouthernTemp

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