Meet Crystal Hood of Lazy Susan Meal Prep in Woodstock

Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Hood.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have always enjoyed cooking even as a kid. Both of my parents loved to cook and I am so fortunate they took the time to teach me. I have cooked professionally for over 15 years- mainly catering.

I came up with the idea of Lazy Susan while living in Asheville NC. I had this vision of bringing families back around the table to eat a healthy meal together. I remember growing up how we always sat at the dinner table as a family and how important that was. Finding myself in a financial need, I decided to make a little extra money doing just that. I had about ten clients who I prepared meals for every week with a rotating menu of 3 lunches and three dinners. It was great side money, but I was still finding myself drowning in bills. All work and No Play.

I decided to move my son and I to Woodstock GA be closer to my family with only about $40 in my bank account. In less than two weeks, I was working two jobs and enjoying this new community. Once I got back on my feet, I decided to join a gym, Here is where I noticed the need for a healthy, meal prep service. So I decided to apply my knowledge in nutrition and culinary arts and start cooking for some of my fellow gym friends who had expressed they needed help with their weekly meal prep. It didn’t take long for the word to get out. Business had increased by so much that I decided to follow my true passion, quit my other two jobs and operate Lazy Susan full time.

Lazy Susan just celebrated one year in November 2018. I am amazed at how fast this business has grown and is continuing to grow.

The kitchen has always felt like home to me. I feel honored that Lazy Susan gets to have a part in families sitting around their table, enjoying a meal together and chatting about their day.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It hasn’t necessarily been smooth but I think that is good. This is how we grow to be better business owners. The main struggles we faced were:
* Finding the perfect kitchen.
* Finding the best software to operate invoicing, finances, etc..
* Keeping up with demand.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Lazy Susan Meal Prep – what should we know?
Lazy Susan is for everyone; from healthy minded people with busy lifestyles to seniors who are no longer able to cook for themselves. We pride ourselves in being that company who reads the labels so our clients don’t have to. We also like to add an extra convenience by providing the macros and Weight Watchers points, Supporting local businesses/vendors and giving back to the community is important to us.

What sets us apart from other meal prep services is that we are local, shop local, meals arrive fresh with no assembly needed, only use trusted ingredients and we give back to our community.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Former Trainer – Jodie Rauls She was the first person to truly believe in me. She and her husband, Ezzie Rauls, own the first gym to put a Lazy Susan fridge in their facility and offer their members the convenience of healthy meal prep.

Parents- Leo and Patsy McGovern – Huge supporters – they help me by caring for my son when I am in the kitchen, brainstorm on ideas and calm me when I am stressed.

All of my Clients – New and Old. I have clients who have been there from the beginning. We would not be where we are today if it wasn’t form their support and referrals.

Contact Info:

• Phone: 678-671-7246
• Email: crystal.hood@lazysusanmp.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lazysusanmealprep/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crystal.hoodmp

Image Credit:
J and E Kapas Photography, Samantha Dickey

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