Today we’d like to introduce you to Chef Candace Calloway.
Hi Chef Candace, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started my chef journey as a young child with an extreme passion for food. I enjoyed watching food being prepared, looking at meals being presented, and seeing how food impacted my community by bringing ones together. Food is for everyone and everyone must eat, that is what I love most about being a chef. I like to bring people together to enjoy the complete experience of food. Education was extremely important and was made a top priority in my life growing up. However, my passion for food continued to grow, from cooking contests in elementary school, to pursue culinary arts in high school.
Learning how to make something from nothing was how I started cooking; creating what I could out of whatever food was accessible. I began cooking for friends and family and in college making my first mark with my famous fried Oreos. After the high demand, I realized it was time to live my dream and go for it. I started selling plates, then turned into an official business offering private chef and small catering services.
I got to where I am today with faith, that is the key. No matter what you believe in, you must have faith, even in yourself to start and continue this journey. I am still on the journey but grateful for how far I’ve come.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road all the way. There are definitely bumps in the road and struggles I’ve had to overcome personally and professionally. Learning how to accept making mistakes, the struggle to knowing my worth and standing firm on price, and understanding failure is a part of success, to name a few.
As you know, we’re big fans of TheBandoCuisine. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I am a private chef that travels offering private dining and small catering services specializing in seafood, southern cuisine, vegan and all-natural recipes. What sets me apart is the experience I offer, and that is what I am most proud of. I am known for my floral touch of the rose at whatever booking I have. It is important for people in my presence to feel special and receive excellent customer service. My goal is to bring fine dining with a twist to our community, a quality food experience without sacrificing quantity.
What’s next?
I am looking forward to opening a small business storefront for TheBandoCuisine offering multi service experiences. I also look forward to owning a food truck and expanding my cuisine nationwide.
Contact Info:
- Email: TheBandoCuisine@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebandocuisine/
