Today we’d like to introduce you to Iyare’ Mack.
Hi Iyare’, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always loved to cook and became really good at it. As a young girl, I remember feeling fascinated while sitting in the kitchen with my mom, watching and helping her cook delicious southern meals. My father is from Benin City-Edo State, Nigeria. He cooked often and introduced me to Nigerian cuisine at a very young age. Since a child, I have been exposed to diverse cultures and backgrounds. I believe these memories assisted tremendously in broadening my horizon.
I thought about starting my own catering business years ago. Family and friends were encouraging me to do it as well. I always felt as if I wasn’t ready and the timing wasn’t right. It wasn’t until 2021 that I finally decided to step out in faith. I truly believe God was just waiting for me to make the move. He has opened many doors and poured out blessings ever since I took the leap of faith. My business is growing and flourishing every day. This is just the beginning!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road to entrepreneurship especially as a caterer has definitely not been easy. Atlanta is a big city and the population is growing rapidly. Honestly, at times the market seemed over-saturated with the competition. There are a lot of other catering companies and many of them started before you. It is imperative to figure out what sets you apart from others, makes your business unique to the market, and what you offer that other companies do not. I’ve had to learn how to build clientele, a social media presence, market my brand, and use my resources. I am still expanding my skills and knowledge as an entrepreneur and caterer. Nevertheless, I realized there might be a lot of other catering companies, but there is only one, “Iyare’ Mack – Founder CEO/Chef of Yare Cooks” and that is what motivates me to succeed.
I have been taught many lessons: being open-minded, remaining eager to learn, willing to take risks, and most importantly, turning stumbling blocks into stepping stones. It is imperative to remain prayerful, positive, professional and to understand that challenges will come. It is how you overcome those challenges that really matter.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Yare Cooks is a full-service caterer offering catering services, private dining options, television/film production catering, and meal preparation. I provide top-tier customer service, produce quality meals that are delicious, enjoyable, and are genuinely made with love.
I am known for preparing Southern-style food with a twist. My upbringing is rich in Southern United States and Nigerian culture. I have been taught how to prepare staple Southern and Nigerian cuisine which sets me apart from others. I also enjoy cooking dishes from all over the world. I love interacting with people. I truly strive to build and maintain great client relationships. I want to make every catered event and dining experience memorable.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Initially, I wasn’t sure of how the catering industry would survive the pandemic. Things are finally getting back to normal and more people are hosting events again. Catering is a luxury that can add value and enhance the guest experience at an event. People love food, the thought of not having to prepare it and serve it themselves.
I believe catering technology and digital marketing will continue to transform. Catering companies and their clients will become even more dependent on social media, various apps, and software to request or provide services. The demand for healthy vegan, “plant-base” options will probably increase forcing caterers to revamp their menus. Prayerfully, the catering industry will progress over the next 5-10 years.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yare.cooks/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YareCooks-107631564996304/
- Other: TikTok: Yare.Cooks
