Meet Ashley Peralta of Chef Ash Catering in Gwinnett County

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Peralta.

Ashley, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started baking as a hobby. My favorite great Aunt asked me to make her a red velvet cake for her granddaughter. I had leftover batter and icing and decided to make cupcakes. I took them to work for my co-workers to try and they loved them. I then began to make more baked goods and take them to work. The orders started coming in.

My baked goods expanded from red velvet cupcakes to rum cakes, churros, cookies, and even more. My customer base grew and I then created my logo as well as social media accounts. Even though I’ve always enjoyed cooking/baking, I never thought my hobby would turn into a business!

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?
Of course not! Anything worth having is not easy. I’ve dealt with a shady event planner taking money from me for a vendor fee and the event never happened. I had customers order cakes and didn’t want to pay for them. I’ve also had customers cancel at the last minute. There was a restaurant owner who had poor communication skills that wouldn’t tell me that they could no longer afford my services. I’d rather deal with those issues sooner than later in business. I’m still grateful for all lessons learned!

We’d love to hear more about your business.
Chef Ash Catering specializes in custom orders and personal chef services. I specialize mostly in baked goods, but I also offer appetizers and entrees on request. I’m mostly known for my red velvet cake and rum cakes. My candied bacon deviled eggs are also popular. I have a customer that orders cookies for his daughter and wife on a monthly basis. I’m most proud of running my company as a one woman show while I was working a full-time job. I’m happy about the progress that has been made over the last three years. I admire the love and support from friends and family! What sets Chef Ash Catering apart from others is the flexibility with customers. I appreciate all of my clients because they can choose anyone else to buy from. I work with my customers on prices and deadlines as well.

What were you like growing up?
I was definitely unique and a rebel of some sort. I didn’t like to listen and I liked doing things my way. I was a tomboy at one point and then flourished into a girly girl. A lot of the time, I was too smart for my own good and experienced things at a young age. I’ve always been shy at first until I get to know someone then I’m very outspoken! I have two personalities (Gemini zodiac) which can be a blessing and a curse at times. I liked learning new things over the years and applying them to my skill set.

Pricing:

• 2 Dozen Custom Cookies-$20
• Deviled Egg Tray-$25
• Oreo Pie-$25
• 3-Layer Red Velvet Cake-$40
• Rum Cake-$40

Contact Info:

• Phone: 678-462-7618
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefashcatering/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChefAshCatering/
• Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_qO_P2CLpdzj6MHtQTjAbA

Image Credit:
Aminah Carrington; Ashley Peralta

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