Life & Work with Carmaletha Byrd

Today we’d like to introduce you to Carmaletha Byrd.

Hi Carmaletha, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am an individual that loves to learn and create things in the way that I enjoy them. I take what I learn and make it my own. My family was large growing up and meals were the common meeting point. People seemed happier and rich conversations about the day were had. There were no scripted moments of learning how to cook, I just watched. I wanted to recreate those moments of happiness with my family around anyone I meet. I try to take hospitality personally so that everyone involved has their own moment. In Reynoldsburg, Ohio I had mh own catering business. I moved to ATL to help my daughter prepare and welcome her 1st child. While there I took cooking and preparing meals off their plate, but never picked up catering in the 8 months I was there. As my grandson began to grow and money became thin, I needed to find a way to support myself. I found a job that I always wanted in Louisiana. Having only had 1 weekend visit there began planning my future. I left ATL with 2 bags and a train ticket with 1 week of Airbnb secured and no apartment. This was truly living on Faith and Hope. Now that I have bevome active in church, fully engaged in an ever changing work environment I have not picked up my caterinv life. What I have noticed is not living that life of making other people happy is missed. I am most happy when friends come together over a meal and conversation. I need to get a better work life balancd so that I can have those moments again. I’m in the heart of some of the best cuisines and I can barely cook for myself. I do find joy in my heart and soul when I cook for myself, but I know that by design I should be sharing this love with others and no pressure added.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been a difficult road because I have always know what to expect, and I’ve always had control of my time to some extent. Now not knowing if I can truly be off any given time based on work load, I don’t want someone to request a date for my services and I find out a week before corporate is in town and I have to prepare a training deck at the szme time I am dupposed to do a gig I may have been paid for. I am terrified to disrupt someones special celebration. For that reason I have not picked catering up in this area. Also, not wanting to have a conflict of interest. I believe from thi z point I can use it as a get to know you piece with friebds, but probably never the level I wanted to be known for. I’m ok with that.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Currently I am a Regional Field Trainer for Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen in New Orleans, Louisiana. I am responsible for all things training concerning managers for Popeyes in the 25 Corporate Stores in NOLA. I report on Learning Plans, LTO Training, Assessments and tests focusing on Knowledge and skill. Store audit support, and additional training or trouble shooting when needed.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love the Arts, Music, Hospitality, and the Culinary focus on bold flavors. The welcoming I felt made me want to stay. Music and cooking are my background. I graduated from The Ckeveland School of Arts, and I also have a Culinary Degree from Hocking College in Nelsonville, Ohio. There seems to be a festival or reason to celebrate everything here and I love that. There are also pleanty of free things to do. What I dislike is the most popular things to do have the least amount of parking.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: wryt4him
• Facebook: CarmalethaWatley
• LinkedIn: https://Linkedin.com/in/carmaletha-watley-5a1549119