Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Kinsey-Joplin.
Hi Amanda, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I am so honored to do this interview again. This is, I believe, our third interview with this magazine, so I really appreciate that! Amanda’s BarBeeQue was started because my son learned Mandarin Chinese, and he needed money to go to Beijing, China. I did not have the money nor could afford this “once in a lifetime” trip, so I did what I knew best -which is cook. We started grilling around Atlanta, GA, and with the outpouring of support of the community, in eight short weeks, we raised enough money for my son to go to China, and he had enough spending money.
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?
The road to entrepreneurship has not been easy. I’m an African American woman in business AND a female pitmaster in a male-dominated field. There have been challenges due to financial hardships, lack of capital to run a business, finding employees who are as passionate about your business. Also, having to gain the respect of my fellow pitmaster brothers. But I’m down for challenges – they only make you stronger.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Amanda’s BarBeeQue creates southern-style foods with delicious smoked meats. We specialize in all the fixings that your grandma use to make like Collard greens, Smoked Gouda Mac and cheese, Potato salad -all the fixings! None of our food comes out of the can, and everything is made fresh daily. We love creating food that feeds and nourishes your soul. We paired it with delicious smoked meats. We have won numerous awards for our smoked chicken wings, pulled pork, and brisket- just to name a few. Now, what we are famous for is our Smoked Wangz, Big Momma loaded nachos, and our Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese with Brisket, Southern Gal Pulled Pork Sandwich. Our customers rave about those items at concerts and festivals. Those are our three top sellers at big events. Now our other food is good too! We are different from other BBQ companies because we are from Georgia. I grew up here, and some of my pitmaster Colleagues flew here, lol. I believe Amanda’s BarBeeQue represents my heritage. When I was growing up, it was a common thing to see somebody grilling outside, and next thing you know, the whole neighborhood was having a meal together because neighbors would pinch in to bring the sides, drinks, and beer. So, I think my BBQ pays homage to my community, my upbringing, and my ancestors because that’s what we cooked. We did not have much as a family, but we used the resources that we had. And, growing up with the black Mom and Grandma, you didn’t turn that stove on in the summertime (lol). Most of the meals were cooked outside on the grill. That is the essence of Amanda’s BarBeeQue. We’re bringing togetherness back into the community -one plate at a time!
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
My word of advice to anyone who has a dream is to believe in yourself. You are the only one who has a glimpse of the provision that God has made over your life. It is up to you to believe in yourself enough to know that it will happen. I also want to tell any dreamer out there with a vision that is bigger than what they can phantom is God will send you your people it will come to a time where you feel like you’re doing it by yourself, you may be in isolation for a season, you may even have doubts BUT don’t ever give up on the Vision just rewrite the Plan.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.amandasbarbeeque.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/amandasbarbeeque
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/amandasbarbeeque
