Today we’d like to introduce you to Jasmine Hairston
Jasmine, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started my journey as a chef when I was young girl in Norfolk, VA, inspired by the vibrant flavors, aromas, and soulful music coming from my grandma’s kitchen the night before my favorite holiday “Thanksgiving”. I Fell in love with the art of cooking and the emotions people felt when they tasted my food. I pursued self training as I grew older, where I would watch cooking shows and YouTube tutorials, honed my skills and discovered my passion for creating unique dishes for my family gatherings, holidays, and my children. Upon Gaining experience and sold out placing orders for locals in South Atlanta Metro Area, I realized that I wanted to bring my culinary vision directly to people, which led to the founding of my thriving catering and event services full time in 2021. Initially, it was a small operation, focusing on intimate gatherings and local events. I relied heavily on word-of-mouth and social media for my superior service to grow my clients. Over the years, through dedication, investing and a commitment to quality, my reputation and business has expanded significantly. Now, I cater a variety of events, from weddings to corporate functions,and providing personalized items. I’m grateful to have a talent that inspire and bring a great experience to people that shares my vision. The journey has been very challenging, being a single mother of four, but I’m a firm believer that God gave me this gift to bless others and inspire others that it can be done. This journey has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m excited to continue evolving and creating memorable culinary experiences for my clients. I have so much brewing for Bosslady Catering and Events to come in the future, Your favorite chef has only just begun.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the biggest struggles has been finding the right balance between work and family life. There were times when I had to juggle late-night prep sessions for events with early morning school drop-offs. It required a lot of planning and sometimes meant sacrificing personal time to ensure my children felt supported and cared for while I pursued my passion. Financial pressures also played a significant role in my journey. Starting a business is costly, and as a single mother, I had to be particularly mindful of budgeting and resources. There were moments of doubt, especially when business was slow, and I worried about providing for my family. However, these challenges fueled my determination to succeed. I often faced the stress and frustration of being both a business owner and a single mother. There were moments when I felt I had to prove myself more than others in the industry. However, I turned that pressure into motivation and used my experiences to connect with clients on a more personal level, which ultimately gave my business the recognition it deserves.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
In my catering business, I specialize in creating soulful culinary experiences that reflect the unique tastes and preferences of my clients. My focus is on crafting seasonal menus that highlight an unforgettable experience for my clients. I love to experiment with flavors, incorporating diverse culinary influences to create dishes that are not only delicious but also visually stunning, with exceptional equipment and presentation. Each of my event begins with a conceptualization phase where I work closely with clients to create their vision and theme. I’m particularly known for my signature dishes, such as Nola Pasta, The 7 Mac & Cheese, Jerk Chicken & Peach Cobbler Egg rolls, Garlic Lamb Chops, and Bosslady’s Adult Celebration Boxes ], which have become favorites among my clients. I am currently going viral on TikTok due to my new adult boxes I have added to my services. I take great pride in the presentation of my food, believing that a dish should be a feast for the eyes as well as a taste in their mouth that will not leave, well at least that’s what my clients say. Each Item is not just a meal; it’s an experience that tells a story. One of the aspects I’m most proud of is my commitment to sustainability. I started from NOTHING, I strive to provide unique recipes that represent me. Another proud moment in my career was when I catered my first large event for famous influencer Jazmine Chavez . It was a significant milestone that tested my skills and my team’s ability to work together under pressure. The joy on the customer faces and hers when they tasted the food made all the hard work worthwhile, and it reinforced my passion for creating memorable experiences. I sold out of everything that day and gained so many supporters and new clients.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Throughout my journey as a chef and business owner, I’ve learned many valuable lessons, but the most important one has been the significance of adaptability and resilience. The culinary world is ever-changing, and being able to pivot in response to challenges has been crucial for my growth and success. To never give up faith, stay focus and committed to the goals. Overall, these lessons have shaped me into a more resilient and adaptable chef and business owner. They remind me that the journey is as important as the destination and that embracing challenges with a positive attitude can lead to unexpected growth and fulfillment. As a single mother and business owner, I’ve also learned the importance of self-care and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle, but I’ve realized that taking care of myself—physically, mentally, and emotionally—enables me to show up fully for my clients and my family. Setting boundaries and making time for rest and rejuvenation has made me more focused and passionate about my work.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
photographer @senoshotyou
