Hidden Gems: Meet Mark Phillips of Southern Temptation

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Phillips.

Hi Mark, 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. 
My passion for cooking or culinary arts started as a young boy in Winston-Salem, NC. I grew up around family cooking and gathering to celebrate life. I think it was then at my early age that I developed my love for cooking but, more importantly, being creative. Fast forward in life, I took home economics in middle school, culinary classes in high school, and BA in Food Service Management. Today I own operate my catering and consulting business “Southern Temptation”. In November 2022, I released my cookbook “At Home with Chef Mark Phillips,” and my business partner and I are launching “Southern Pressed” infused extra virgin olive oil. 

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I would love to sit here and tell you it has been a smooth road, but fortunately, it has not. I’ve learned that life is going to have its obstacles whether that be personal or professional. In business, I’ve had failed businesses, I have been falsely accused of questionable character, bad investment (or teachable moment, depending on how you look at it), and several more. Of course, some challenges are not avoidable. However, one’s mindset can either aid in the frustration or shift the focus into something positive. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
In a nutshell “Southern Temptations” is a catering and consulting business for Restaurants. Under that umbrella, I have had the opportunity to brand influencers partnerships, live cooking demonstrations, training and teaching, as well as recipe development. My attention to detail definitely sets me apart from others, as I take pride and passion in what I do. Regardless is if I’m cooking for a dinner for two or catering a corporate party for 600, I do my best to ensure the client is happy. I am most proud to not only offer great food but excellent customer service. Other than my regular catering and personal chef services, I also want to make mention of my cookbook “At Home with Chef Mark Phillips” and soon to be released “Southern Pressed” Infused Olive oil (late June 2024). 

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
One of the most important characteristics I believe has been important to my success has been humility. In addition to that, I would say work smart, so you don’t have to work as hard. Do your best to be passionate about whatever it is you choose to do, as there will definitely be some days when you don’t feel like doing it. 

Pricing:

• Pricing varies depending on the occasion and details
• Cookbook Hard Copy is $45.00
• Cookbook Hard Copy is $35.00
• Olive oil: Coming soon

Contact Info:

• Website: www.southerntemptation.com
• Instagram: @ChefSouthernTemp
• Facebook: Southern Temptation

Image Credits
Bitesandbevsmedia