Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Wells.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Michelle. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started college as a criminal justice major but just knew in my heart it was not the journey for me. I talked my way into a job as a cook at Mere Bulle’s in Nashville and found my calling. I spent time working in some of Nashville’s best (Sunset Grill, Faison’s, 12th and porter) before moving to Phoenix, AZ. Rubbing elbows with some of today’s greats (in their early years), I found a true love for the flavors of the American Southwest. Work took me through Colorado, Seattle and left me settled in Northern California, where I was introduced to catering with a company called Something Special Events & Catering. The Silicon Valley in the ’90s was an exciting place to be with clients like Sun Microsystems, Dell, Warren Buffet, Hewlett Packard, The San Francisco 49’ers and more! Every event was about being a little more over the top than the next. The pull of home led me back to Chattanooga in 2000, where I have been ever since – growing Events with Taste Catering into the business it is today.
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?
What I was doing in California in the ’90s was not necessarily on par with what was going on in this area in 2000. There was definitely a learning curve for me at the beginning. Even though I was from this area, I also had to gain people’s trust as I was an unknown culinary figure. Just as soon as things started going well, 2008 happened and I had to rethink my business – we were predominately working with corporate clients and we had to pivot and become more invested in Brides – Thank God for brides because they pulled us through and now we have a great stable clientele on both sides, corporate and wedding!
Human Resources is always a struggle. We try to invest in our staff so that we keep a good stable base that our clients recognize over and over again. We have high standards and value the people that are part of our team!
We’d love to hear more about your business.
We are a high end catering and event company in Chattanooga, TN. We are completely off-premise and will go anywhere. The thing that sets us apart is that we truly are a custom caterer. We do not have ANY menus for people to choose from. We spend time getting to know each of our clients and write menus based specifically on their likes, dislikes, budget, service style desired. It is a process, but one that has set us apart as a truly unique company. We are a chef-driven company, so food takes center stage – we spend less time on “smoke and mirrors” with our presentation and let the food not only speak for itself but also be the centerpiece of the evening! WE LOVE TO COOK!!!!
What were you like growing up?
I was a terror! I struggled with authority and stayed in trouble as a teenager. I turned my father grey in the span of one year! I have always been strong-willed (I am an enneagram 8) and I seemed to think I knew everything even at 12. The good thing is people grow out of childish ways and I have an amazing relationship with both my parents now and we can laugh about my idiocy!
I always enjoyed school and managed good grades without trying that hard. I have always loved to read. I swam competitively as a child and did have an interest in cooking at a young age. Who knew where it would lead me.
Contact Info:
- Address: 507a West 26th Street, Chattanooga TN 37408
- Website: www.ewtcaters.com
- Phone: 423.508.8023
- Email: info@ewtcaters.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eventswithtaste/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eventswithtaste/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel&eid=ARAjfOfjsH5ViENWJHBIShMuEklpIKj0qFvk9Mz8X41Cvx36nJlFwerowdc2ZUkpEdsNosTFiZ6MtTIC
Image Credit:
Rich Smith Photography
John Bamber Photography
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