Today we’d like to introduce you to Deborah Tuff.
Deborah, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’ve been in the kitchen since I was a little girl, while watching and helping my mom and grandmothers make soul food and homemade desserts. They didn’t go by recipes, just the memories etched into their old pots, cast iron skillets and casserole dishes. As I got older, I began to make memories of my own. Going off to college, getting a degree in journalism, pursuing a career in journalism, feeling like I had “made it” — only to be laid off. Before landing another job in news, I started my own publicity firm in Atlanta and mainly worked with small businesses and nonprofits. That’s when the love of owning and creating became a “thing” for me. Once I was able to get back into the television business, I created an Emmy-nominated entertainment and food-centered program that I executive produced and hosted. It was based in the Midwest. The drive and passion I saw while interviewing restauranteurs and food-business owners was contagious.
I previously toyed with the idea of getting into the food business, but did not think it would become a reality. I loved hosting parties and cooking southern food, and especially loved the compliments that I cooked “like somebody’s grandma” but I never knew how to monetize it. Fast forward, my spouse gets a job here in my hometown of Atlanta, I’m super-pregnant, but still want to feel a sense of independence. I become a contractor at WXIA-TV (11 Alive News). That opportunity afforded me the availability to simultaneously start a business. I opened a meal delivery service under the name ChitChat ‘N’ Chew. The meal delivery service turned into catering and personal chef services. I wanted folks to know who was behind their food, so with input from my oldest brother, I changed the name of my company to D’Lishes Dishes by Deb. With catering, I always get compliments on my macaroni and cheese. Folks will say, “My Goodness that’s good!” In a conversation with my siblings, they asked what my signature dish was. Easy. Mac ‘N’ Cheese. So, in addition to catering, I also have a line of Mac ‘N’ Cheese customers can purchase, with the classic called, “My Goodness Mac ‘N’ Cheese,” a YouTube channel named, “D’Lishes Dishes” and a food show in production. Everything has come full-circle.
Has it been a smooth road?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, but I’ve been able to take some of the challenges and kind of roll with the punches. I have to manage being a wife, mom, business owner, journalist, producer, writer and host. Whew! Reading that made me tired. I also remember during my second pregnancy; I became incredibly sick. I couldn’t even think about food. Let alone, physically be in the same room as food. I lost about 25 pounds – and had to put meal delivery and catering on hold throughout the duration of my pregnancy. But the thing about that, people will always want to eat. Heck, even I got my taste and love of food back after a while. A fact I am proud of, by the way. So, I enjoyed being a mom and when it was time to jump back into everything, I did just that. Also, catering can have its slow periods. As a small business I’ve learned to save, have other options, breathe and most importantly, have fun!
We’d love to hear more about the company.
D’Lishes Dishes by Deb is a catering and personal chef services company that serves Atlanta and the surrounding areas. We’ve even ventured out-of-state a time or two! We also have staff ready-to-go in case a client wants that full experience – complete with a team of experienced designers who can bring your dreams to life! Our Mac ‘N’ Cheese is the jam. Our cowboy baked beans are another fan favorite. Folks love the grilled meats. Specifically, our chicken wings. Just the right amount of flavor, just the right amount of smoke.
Overall, our specialty is soul-food, but as I like to tell clients, we’re like a DJ with a long playlist. Tell us what you want and we will do our best to make it happen. We go all out, I mean all out for our customers. Always throwing in something extra. Just because. It is never expected, but just a nice way of telling folks “thank you.” They could have gone anywhere, literally anywhere. There are a lot of amazing catering companies in the area, but if they chose D’Lishes Dishes – they chose us for a reason. I want to make sure customers keep coming back. People tell me I have an old soul. That plays into how I serve our clients. I want them to feel like they are eating at Grandma’s house. Which means customer service is our #1 priority. If you have a full belly, a happy heart and smile on your face – we’ve done our jobs!
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
For starters, Atlanta is my hometown. So, I will always go hard for my city. It is an AMAZING place to start a business. Especially if you are a small business owner, woman, or minority – there are loans and incentives for days. As with anything, research is key. Along with research, realize that some things won’t happen overnight. That doesn’t mean it won’t happen. It just may take a lot of sleepless nights, perceived failures and do-overs. But keep trying. Don’t give up. My theory in life is, the sky IS NOT the limit. The sky is simply a stepping stone to your endless potential. Write down your plan and pursue your passion with grit and determination. You know the vision that has been placed in your heart!
Contact Info:
- Address: 35 Patterson Rd, 466165
Lawrenceville, GA 30044 - Website: www.dlishesdishes.com
- Phone: (404) 369.4377
- Email: catering@dlishesdishes.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/DLishesDishes
- Facebook: Facebook.com/dlishesdishesbydeb
- Twitter: Twitter.com/DLishesDishes
- Other: https://bit.ly/3dLl7Rh
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