Today we’d like to introduce you to Davena King.
Hi Davena, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am the founder and CEO of Muze & Co. Food and Catering, LLC! Originally, I am from New York, but I was raised in Lawrenceville, GA. After graduating Collins Hill high school, I attended college in Albany, GA & Columbus, GA. Similar to many former university students, my game plan changed as I pondered on my future and career. Considering I graduated with a Public Relations degree and I spent a great bit of my internships and externships managing small businesses and non-profit organizations. I loved helping other businesses but I wanted my own to manage in a field I was incredibly passionate about. I began to receive the clarity I had been praying on and seeking in positions that truly did not make me happy.
Six years in school, two degrees later and wild enough, it took the pandemic for me to discover the missing piece in my life was in the food industry. I began to focus more on what made me happy and not being who I thought I had to be. I began by selling dinner plates to gain clientele in Columbus, GA. With the support of my close friends, the word began to spread and life happened again in 2021. I moved back to Gwinnett County after being gone for six years. I had to regain purpose, refocus my business and rebrand. I stayed true to my vision and faced adversity. Since the summer of 2021, my business has grown tremendously. I’ve been servicing clients by selling dinner plates, traveling out of town to cater for events, assisting with hosting events, meal prepping and cooking in-home dinners for families. I became a business owner officially this Summer 2022 and this is truly only the beginning!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been smooth at all, it’s challenging to have a vision and want a backing of unconditional support and not feel seen. I had to force myself to buckle down, we are placed on this earth for a purpose and to showcase the purpose, we have to continue to put the work in. I decided to put my energy into my craft, shifting to affirming my future and believing in my purpose and that ended up being the motivation I needed, it comes from within. Being small business owner will never be easy. Always a lesson to learn, but nothing large started off small. I’m appreciative of the bumpy road, it has taught me so much about the business world and myself!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a self-taught cook, I’ve been cooking since diapers… literally. I come from quite a large family, and naturally we always had gatherings where food is present of course. I grew up witnessing a lot of love going into meals. My mother, who I take after quite a bit has had a tremendous effect on my cooking skills. She cooked EVERY night, except on Fridays. She prided herself on quality family time at the dinner table. Being in a household such as mine, I’ll always respect my mother for sharing her love for cooking with me.
My specialty is New American, infused with Latin cuisine! I love simple dishes that are filled with vibrant colors and flavors. My food plates always look full and never boring, always tasting better than how delicious it looks!
I am different because I am a one-woman show that doesn’t just have a passion for cooking the food. I can ensure my clients, they will receive more than what they asked for. I pride myself on being a part of people’s most important moments with the simple pleasure of delectable food. Customer service, business etiquette and management are attributes I naturally obtain that assist with the cuisine I whip up in the kitchen!
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I truly enjoy “Goddess Confessions with Sheneka Adams” I also enjoy Lebron James “The Shop” on HBO Max, which I consider as a visual podcast. I love hearing other perspectives and listening to both of these on and off, I am always stretching my mind to consider different factors based on my reality and what I am surrounded with.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muze.foodz/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Muze.Foodz
