Conversations with Kelsey Carter

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsey Carter.

Hi Kelsey, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always had a deep love for cooking. I vividly remember shadowing my dad and grandmother in the kitchen, and after school, I’d often find myself glued to the Food Network. Paula Deen was one of my favorite chefs, and those moments spent watching her — combined with my family’s own culinary traditions — helped cultivate my love for cooking, especially Southern cuisine.

Entrepreneurship has also been a part of me since childhood. Even back in elementary school, I was always selling something. I remember in fourth grade, when Call of Duty was popular, I created and sold small comic books based on the game to my classmates for 50 cents each. Between then and high school, I started about four different small businesses. My last venture in high school was selling custom ashtrays and rolling trays made from epoxy resin.

When I got to college, I began reselling jewelry that I purchased from a vendor. One day, a potential customer asked me if I had made the jewelry myself. When I said no, he replied, “If you had made them yourself, I would’ve bought one.” That comment stuck with me. I realized then that if I was going to continue pursuing business, I wanted to create something with my own hands — something I made.

Around that same time, I was reading one of the most influential books in my life. A verse stood out to me and has guided much of my journey since:
“You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.” — Psalm 128:2

That realization didn’t immediately launch me into the food industry, but it planted a seed. During the summer after my freshman year, I wasn’t working, but my parents were, so I started cooking dinner for the whole family. Eventually, I began recording TikTok videos of the cooking process. Then one day, in what felt like a download of inspiration, I knew I had to start selling plates when I got back to school.

I began with simple chicken wing plates — hot wings and fries. But shortly after, the University of West Georgia opened a new dining option called “West Wing,” which forced me to pivot. Instead of competing, I leaned into what I knew best: home-cooked comfort food you couldn’t get in the dining halls. I started selling meals like candied yams, spaghetti with garlic bread, lasagna, and smothered chicken — the kinds of dishes that reminded people of home.

My first pivoted plate was baked chicken, mac & cheese, mashed potatoes, and cornbread for $8 — and I sold out. From there, I began offering “Sunday Dinner” plates every week for $20, with the option to add dessert (banana pudding or red velvet cake) for an extra $5. The banana pudding was always a hit.

That success naturally led to what I’m doing now. My first food business was called Karter’s Kitchen, but the popularity of my banana pudding inspired my current venture: Nana-Pudding Co.

Nana-Pudding Co. is a virtual storefront available on DoorDash. We specialize in premium, handcrafted banana pudding offered in four distinct flavors: OG Nana, Juneberry, Southern, and Classic Cookie. Each serving comes in an 8-ounce mason jar, which not only looks great but also pays homage to our Southern roots. In any real Southern kitchen, you’re bound to find mason jars — often used for water, sweet tea, lemonade, or even Kool-Aid. It’s a small detail, but one that really resonates with our customers and reflects our commitment to honoring Southern culture through food.
Karter Kitchen is my baby though, and I am committed to nurturing and serving Karter Kitchen into its full manifestation, which is healthy Soul Food, that taste just as good!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
In my opinion I won’t say the road was smooth however, most of the challenges I faced that were notable which I know sets successful entrepreneurs apart from potentially successful entrepreneurs is the psychological and emotional obstacles you have to overcome. Some of those that I came face-to-face with and had to overcome were fear of failure, lack of confidence in my product and service embarrassment and rejection.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
In addition to my two food-based businesses, I am also a public speaker. I’ve had the opportunity to share my insights and experiences at several events centered around entrepreneurship and personal development.

One notable engagement was serving as the guest speaker at the University of West Georgia’s event titled “Entrepreneurial Mindset Advantage.” This luncheon focused on the work of Gary Schoeniger and explored how adopting an entrepreneurial mindset can lead to meaningful success. I also had the privilege of teaching a class at UWG’s Honors College, where I spoke about the internal skills necessary for pursuing entrepreneurship.

During that session, I emphasized that these skills—such as resilience, self-awareness, adaptability, and initiative—aren’t just relevant for starting a business. They are transferable to any new chapter in life. Whether you’re aiming to become a professional skateboarder, a great mother, or a better friend, these foundational traits are essential for excelling and showing up as your best self.

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?
In 5 to 10 years, I believe that one of my most impactful occupations will be my public speaking. And not too far if not very far above the Public Speaking will be Nana Pudding Co. and Karter Kitchen is a company that will be forever for evolving and growing, and will soon be a brick and mortar restaurant in the Atlanta area.

Pricing:

• Speaking Engagements $250-$15,000
• Nana Pudding Co. Whole Sale $126-$1008

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karter_kitchenllc
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelsey-carter-b17631303
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@karterkitchentv
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/nanapudding.co