Meet Dianna Palmer of It’s Baked Baby in Downtown

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dianna Palmer.

So, before we jump into specific questions about what you do, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
A Bronx, NY native raised by Caribbean parents, I’ve been surrounded by passionate cooks all of my life. Growing up in NY you’re exposed to many different cultures and food was & will always be the puzzle that keeps us together. My mom ensured that I was in the kitchen at a really young age, I remember as far back as six years old, standing on a stool helping her add cheese to what I thought then to be just a “cheese sauce” for macaroni which I now refer to as a béchamel. I’m the oldest of 4 siblings and whenever mom had to work she made sure she left instructions on how to make that nights dinner. By the age of 13, I could cook a delicious pot of Caribbean Style Braised Oxtails, so imagine 30 + yrs later how good they taste 🙂 .

After working in corporate America for 15+ years, and completing training to be a professional massage therapist, I decided to embark on a career in Culinary Arts. After two semesters in culinary school, I jumped right into my first internship at Lincoln Center and I became more determined to perfect my craft and put everything I learned to the test. Now, after 10+ yrs in the game, I have no regrets. My new baby is called * It’s Baked Baby,* a Baked Potato concept tying all of the cuisines that I love together on a simple potato. My motto in life is KISS; Keep It Simple Stupid. So, clearly, this means you have to try it for yourself to get it, 🙂 www.itsbakedbaby.com currently taking orders via ubereats.

Has it been a smooth road?
Absolutely not!! There are people out there that wish you well, then there are those that can’t wait for your demise. So, having a hard shell & the determination to keep pushing is imperative. I’ve been homeless, rock bottom broke, slandered, broken hearted with no real support system. However, with a praying mom & dad and a God that protects me, my faith has always remained intact.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
I have 2 primary companies Gifted Hands Catering & Divine Intervention Wellness Center and Relaxation Spa. DIWCRS has been taking a backseat lately, but that is still in the formation of becoming a Full-Service Bed & Breakfast/Spa & Wellness Center. Gifted Hands Catering is a Boutique Catering company which specializes in whatever the clients’ preference is, be it Caribbean, Soul, Asian, Italian, Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian we aim to please every palate. We also provide meal prep and private/personal chef services. It’s Baked Baby as fore mentioned is the newest addition to the family, providing “comfort food for the sophisticated palate.”

What I’m most proud of as a business owner is the opportunity to always evolve and grow. Making $ is a priority, but not the only priority. I love what I do & providing wholesome, delicious meals is rewarding all in itself.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Being still pretty new to the city, I will say it is definitely what you make it. Atlanta has its own unique vibe, nothing compared to NY and the food scene is very diverse & spread out, unlike my city that has everything you may want at your fingertips and in walking distance from each other. The Vegan scene is massive amongst the Atlanta community which means to me that people are responsible in their decisions of what they put into their bodies. Which is very important. At the same time, from observation, there seems to be a slight nose in the air if you’re a carnivore or pescatarian not riding the vegan wave. I’m not against anyone’s food preference and prefer to stay firmly in the middle which is why I’ll  say for anyone starting out to create your own lane & stay there. I won’t classify myself as a chef that specializes in “this or that” which sets me apart & also allows a community of Many to have the opportunity to try my food, which I’m super excited about!!

Pricing:

• $25-45/ hr Personal/Private Chef services
• $120-280/ Weekly Meal Prep
• $55-120/per person Catering Services
• $12-22/It’s Baked Baby

Contact Info:

• Website: www.itsbakedbaby.com
• Phone: 5168475711
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @itsbakedbaby

Image Credit:
@atlantafoodguy

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