Today we’d like to introduce you to Latrisha Taylor.
Latrisha, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Star Events Catering Company was originally Star Events: an Event Planning Company!
I have always had a love for cooking and event planning. I was able to expand my knowledge when I enrolled in the Culinary Program at Hunters Lane Comprehensive High School in Nashville, TN. For my Freshman and Sophomore year of high school, I was under the direction of Executive Chef Micheal Adams. I was able to learn the ins and outs of the kitchen. Even with a foundation in cooking, I fell in love with Event Planning. I felt such a gratification bringing a client’s vision for their special event to life that I wanted to do it for a living.
I eventually moved to Atlanta, got married and had my three children. I put Star Events on hold to be a wife and a mother. After six years of marriage, I got a divorce and decided to bet on myself and follow my dream.
After speaking to my mentor, who I was interning for at the time, I decided to turn my focus from Event Planning to Catering. I had been cooking for events/gatherings for years at this point and I knew that there were many Event Planners in Atlanta but not many of them could cook as well. That was my niche.
I started out with doing weekend plate sales in Atlanta, and Nashville, TN and gradually started booking events. Typically Brunches and Birthday Parties.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not been a smooth road! Learning about Profit and Inventory, marketing strategies as well as producing social media content to reach people that didn’t know me was a struggle. I am naturally an introvert so stepping out on faith and putting myself out there to be judged about my product took me out of my comfort zone. I would go to Barber Shops, Doctors Offices, etc. I had to be vulnerable and that was an adjustment.
I believe the hardest part for me is juggling my full-time job, my business and raising three small children all at the same time. Sourcing, Creating Menus, Prep, Cooking, Packaging, and Delivering- I’m doing it all!
It can definitely be draining at times and that is where my village comes in. I had to build a support group of like-minded individuals so when I felt like giving up, they could come from a place of understanding and lift me up in prayer and vice versa. It has made such a difference not being on this journey alone.
Star Events Catering Company – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Star Events Catering Company where Love is in Every Bite! Specializing in catering events big or small for any occasion. Our food is described as comfort food with a sophisticated twist. We use the best ingredients and flavors that will wrap you up in a warm embrace after the first bite.
I am most proud of the growth as a company. We started out with solely doing plate sales and have grown to do parties with as many as 150 guests!
Our biggest accomplishment to date was catering for Grammy Nominated R&B Group Jagged Edge. It was such an amazing opportunity and a humbling experience!
I cook with passion and heart. I take great care and give my all in everything I do. This is my baby and I am always finding ways to nurture and grow the brand. We have recently added our Signature Sweet Rolls to our menu as a dessert option. I am really excited about that!
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Food can make or break an event. With that being said, I am seldom satisfied and constantly checking for areas of improvement in everything I do. How I present my food, the taste, my timing, did I deliver and set up on time, the client’s satisfaction, and most importantly am I honoring God by showcasing the gift that He has blessed me with? All of those things are on my checklist. I will say, those follow-up calls/texts from clients about how great the food always gave me the extra boost I need to keep pushing.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 404-692-2193
- Email: thestareventscatering@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/stareventscateringcompany
- Facebook: facebook.com/stareventscateringco
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