Today we’d like to introduce you to Shimek Antrom.
Hi Shimek, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am a resident of Georgia, by way of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I have several hats under my belt. I am a licensed cosmetologist with a background in restaurant management. I started my entrepreneurial cooking journey about two years ago, but allow me to go back a little further. In 2012, I abruptly moved to Atlanta, GA wanting a better life. While there, I gained employment with Gladys Knight’s Chicken and Waffle’s restaurant on Cascade Road. I was hired as a host, but quickly advanced to a management position because of my leadership skills. Within one year, I was given a promotion.
In 2015, due to family matters, I moved back to Philadelphia. I gained employment as an Assistant General Manager at Boston Market. Although that position didn’t work out, I knew that I had my cosmetology experience to fall back on. I decided to jump back into the swing of things. Fast forward to 2018, I was working at a unisex salon in Philadelphia. During the weekends, there were vendors that frequented offering lunch meals to the stylist. I thought it was a great idea. I was always sought out by family and friends to prepare and cater meals for events and holidays. I never thought too much into it. Growing up, you could find me in the kitchen, always wanting to learn how to prepare meals. My mom would kill me if I said this, but she wasn’t a cook. However, for some reason, cooking was always something that caught my interest. Although I loved it, a career never crossed my mind. Until one day, I purchased a lunch meal from a vendor that didn’t taste good. I thought to myself, if this is being sold, I know I can do it!
A few weeks later, I started selling prepped lunches to the stylist and clients of the salon. It did so well, I was shocked! I knew I could cook, but the feedback and sales confirmed that this was a venture I could embark on. As time went on, I started getting a greater request to cook. I already had the certification from Serve Safe, so I decided to move forward with cooking lunches. So I could brand my new business, I named myself Chef Meek Mealz, inspired by the Philly rapper Meek Mills. Business was turning out to be great. In addition to selling lunch at the salon, I hosted breakfast there once a month. I also began cooking for fundraisers, feeding the less fortunate, serving grieving families at repasts, preparing healthy meal prep, and doing full service birthday parties which included decorating. I realized this was therapeutic for me. I fell in love with cooking and my business was officially birthed.
In 2019, I found myself moving back to Georgia on a ministry assignment. Returning led me back into the restaurant industry. I became Kitchen Manager for Milk and Honey restaurant operating inside of Medusa Lounge. One month later, I began working as the General Manager at the Milk and Honey restaurant on Cascade Road. I’ve also plowed the streets of Georgia, introducing my Friday meals called “Lunchbox Friday’s”. I’ve met and served many families on Friday’s delivering meals and introducing myself to the residents of GA. Since being here, I’ve catered holiday gatherings, pop up shops, weekly meal preps, etc. In November, I decided to become a full time entrepreneur rebranding my company as Nana Browns by Chef Meek Mealz, LLC.
The inspiration behind this rebranding was the sudden death of my grandmother whom I had a special relationship with. I wanted to always have something to remember her by, because we shared so many special moments in the kitchen. Her nickname for me was Nana Brown. Therefore, I decided to incorporate it into my business. So here I am today, plowing the streets of Georgia, promoting on social media, and traveling back to Philadelphia doing what I love the most. My prayer is that God would open up an opportunity for me to one day own and operate a family style restaurant. I am patient and perfecting the vision, so that I will be fully prepared when that special day comes.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This road has not been smooth. Moving to a new state and building a new business has been a challenge. I’ve had long days and long nights. I started “Lunchbox Friday’s” to introduce myself to the residents of GA. I’ve gained so many customers this way, however the process is taxing. Most times, I am a one man band. Shopping, prepping, preparing, packaging and delivering are all done by me. All orders are prepaid and I would start deliveries at 12-1 in the afternoon and not see my home until 9pm at night. Driving all over Georgia, for the sake of meeting my customers. Though it’s been tedious, it has all been worth it. I’ve gained a great relationship with my customers and they enjoy their meals and my personable attitude. They’ve also been recommending me to their friends and family. I’ve gained most of my opportunities from my customers I’ve met during “Lunchbox Friday’s”. The struggle has been real, but it was necessary. I want my customers to know that I care about this and I’m working my tail off to build this business from the ground up. This business is built on the love I have inside of me and I want it to shine through.
What do you do?
My slogan is “Bringing Love To You, One Meal At A Time”, and that is what I do. Whether it is a large catering job or a single persons meal prep, I want my customers to feel loved through their meal and my customer service.
What do I specialize in?
Catering, meal preparation and event planning. What sets you apart from others?
This is not just a job or a career, this is my passion. Every opportunity I have, I put my best foot forward and sprinkle a whole lot of love in it. Also, no matter how big God blesses my company to become, I will always be reachable for my customers. I want them to feel like their event or need is top priority. I know many may say after a while it will be too much for me, but this is one guarantee I won’t ever waver on.
What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of the pursuit and the plow. I am most proud of the tenacity and the will to continue on. Also, that Nana Brown’s was able to provide full meals during the start of the pandemic for Grady Hospital. God laid it on my heart to show gratitude to the hard working employees on the front line. I also provided meals for Emory Hospital. I am most proud of the building stage; seeing my “baby” in the birthing stage growing into what it is today, with faith that God will grow Nana Brown’s to higher heights.
What do you want the readers to know about your brand, offerings, services, etc?
I would like people to know that when hiring Nana Brown’s for any event or service, they’re going to get an experience. Every desire that they have will be fulfilled to the highest level. I will work closely with each client to ensure they are happy. My clients satisfaction is what’s most important to me. Honestly, upon completing a job, my goal is to make my customers fall in love with Nana Browns. No job is too big or too small. We will handle each opportunity with love, respect and care. They will not be disappointed.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love the most about this city is that the people I’ve encountered are supportive and uplifting. I am a girl from Philadelphia that got out and promoted from the muscle. Every person I’ve encountered embraced me and showed me love and support. I am truly appreciative of that. What I like the least is traffic and how far everything is apart from each other. Even though this is a huge sacrifice, I am persevering and pushing until I can finally say “come dine in at my restaurant, Nana Brown’s by Chef Meek Mealz”.
Contact Info:
- Email: Meekmealz4@gmail.com
- Website: www.nanabrowns.com
- Instagram: @nanabrownsllc
- Facebook: Nana Browns by Chef Meek Mealz LLC
Image Credits
Pheauxtography Blair Devereaux Jaii Harris Photogrpahy
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Aisha
January 3, 2021 at 8:44 pm
Awesome article! I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying both catered and to go meals by Chef Meek and they are delicious. She definitely sprinkles love and excellence into each meal.