Meet Christina Perkins of Spoil Your Tummy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christina Perkins.

Hi Christina , 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?
Spoil Your Tummy was founded in October 2014 by Christina Holloway, who believes the best way to spoil yourself is through food. Her goal has always been to create and rekindle joyful memories through delicious treats, leaving every customer with a full tummy and a great experience.

I actually started with just one pot and a dream—to bring affordable carnival-style food to my community. My original career path was education; I planned to become a middle school math teacher. As part of my college requirements, I began teaching and shadowing in schools. During my time there, I noticed that while schools held fall festivals, they often lacked the carnival food that made those events truly special. That realization sparked an idea: if no one else was providing it, why not me?

I began small, serving at local school events, and eventually expanded to larger carnivals. The business wasn’t always called Spoil Your Tummy—my first name was Robin 2 My Rescue, in honor of my aunt, who always believed in me. Over time, I rebranded to Spoil Your Tummy and transitioned Robin 2 My Rescue into a nonprofit organization.

Today, Spoil Your Tummy has served thousands of children and families. We remain a small, community-centered company that hires from local schools and continues to grow one event at a time. My dream is to one day own a food truck and keep spreading smiles—one funnel cake at a time.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road definitely hasn’t always been smooth. My very first school event was a true test — all my helpers backed out at the last minute, and my sister Eboni had to step in to help me. To make things even harder, I ran into issues with my ingredients and couldn’t make funnel cakes that day, so I sold fries only.

Not long after, I had another school booking where the school prepaid me, but I wasn’t able to deliver because of the short turnaround time. Then came my first carnival event, which I’ll never forget — my generator caught fire, leaving me with no way to cook. Thankfully, my local commissioner stepped in to help. They sent someone to grab chips and crackers from a nearby store and encouraged me to sell what I could before it got cold. The local fire department and police officers at the event came over and bought everything I had. That moment reminded me that even in the toughest times, there’s always light at the end of the tunnel.

After that experience, I went home determined to grow stronger. I studied my craft, took business classes, and sought advice from local business owners. One of my biggest ongoing challenges has been funding. I keep my prices as affordable as possible because I want families to enjoy our treats without breaking the bank — but it comes at the cost of not yet owning a food trailer of my own.

Even today, I still face challenges when event coordinators aren’t upfront about event turnout or vendor duplication. I’ve also been pushed out of certain areas because I speak up for other vendors who may be too afraid to. But through it all, I stay grounded in my faith, trusting that God has a plan and that better days are always ahead.

That moment when the fire department and police came together to support me truly changed my perspective. It taught me the power of community and kindness. From that day forward, I made a promise to always give back — which is why all service members, including police officers, firefighters, and military personnel, receive a discount at Spoil Your Tummy. It’s my small way of showing appreciation for those who serve and for the ones who believed in me when I needed it most.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Spoil Your Tummy?
At Spoil Your Tummy, we specialize in the kind of food that sparks joy — classic carnival treats like funnel cakes and deep-fried Oreos. People come for the taste, but they stay for the experience. Every funnel cake is a labor of love. I spend a year developing a new item before even sharing it for tasting, and it takes two years before it makes it to the menu. This careful process ensures that every bite is perfect, every time.

But what truly sets us apart isn’t just the flavor — it’s the feeling. When you visit our tent, you’re not just a customer; you’re family. I love being out there, dancing, laughing, and connecting with everyone who stops by. Every funnel cake and treat comes with a little piece of the Walm family spirit — warmth, fun, and genuine care.

For me, Spoil Your Tummy isn’t about transactions. It’s about creating moments of love, laughter, and connection. When someone leaves my tent, I want them to leave not just with a delicious treat, but with a smile and a memory they’ll cherish.

What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is respect. I believe it is the universal language that forms the foundation for meaningful connections. Respect fosters trust and understanding, allowing us to build strong relationships—whether in family, friendships, partnerships, or within our broader communities. It’s the cornerstone that enables collaboration, empathy, and lasting bonds.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Spoilyourtummy.com
• Instagram: @spoil_your_tummy
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpoilYourTummy/