Today we’d like to introduce you to Leigh Bush.
Leigh, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I began my culinary journey in the projects. I was broke with four kids and I began selling plates at night. Then they started asking for food during the day. My daughter, who was ten at the time, would run the food to neighbors. I saved enough in 11 months to open a hair salon and a restaurant. THAT RIB JOINT in Norfolk, VA. I was completely unprepared and BROKE CHILE. It soon failed.
I moved back to Atlanta and as fate would have it, I was hit by a car and couldn’t walk. I was trapped in my house for four months. I began making HOW-TO videos on Instagram. That’s where CHEF LEIGH started. People began asking for plates again. I, by chance, sold a plate to Blac Youngstas Manager… Next thing I know, Blac Youngsta in on Facetime with me and wants me to come and cook for him!!! (Did I mention I was HOMELESS when he called!) I had $200 to my name. I took that money and went and got the freshest biggest crab and I made the biggest Crab boil!! All I kept thinking was THIS IS MY SHOT!! After that, Business just took off! I have cooked for Anthony Dalton, Bobby V, DJ Tracey Steele, 21 Savage’s Manager, just to name a few… not to mention my A1 clients! I embrace cooking with a passion… its how I love, my love language if you will! I have taken it from just something I am good at… to a career. I am building a brand. God has truly blessed me. I am truly blessed. But this is JUST THE BEGINNING!!! YOU AIN’T SEEN NOTHING YET!!!
Has it been a smooth road?
Chile I was hit by a car last year. During my first six months in business, I was in a leg brace, barely able to walk. Since I couldn’t work or put any weight in my leg, I was unable to work. I ended up homeless with my 6 and 3 years old. They are the youngest of seven! My oldest is 24. I took my last $200 and sowed a seed in my business and I haven’t looked back! Chile I didn’t even have a car. I was taking uber to my events throwing my CATERING pans in the back… by any means I was gonna make this happen!
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am known for being able to put together fabulous meals on a budget and at a drop of a dime! My Bourbon Lamb Lollipops and Crab Boils are what the people crave! My Cajun Rasta Pasta is to die for! I am most proud of the way my business has grown w little effort and simply using word of mouth and referrals. I am always blown away when I introduce myself and the person says, “I follow you!” ABSOLUTELY AMAZING FEELING!
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I LOVE ATLANTA. OLD ATLANTA. CLASSIC ATLANTA. I welcome the newcomers, but running into a true Atlantan is something… we are small; we all know each other. The diversity of the city now has is remarkable. Atlanta has become a welcome center of entrepreneurship. It’s exciting to see new and creative ideas and outlooks on career choices when people are given the creative freedom to make money following their passions.
Pricing:
- Brunch For 4 Starts at $300
- Dinner for 4 starts at $450
Contact Info:
- Phone: 4704767020
- Email: Carriesheartcatering@gmail.com
- Instagram: ChefLeighAtl
Image Credit:
Anthony Dalton (Tyler Perry’s “Sisters”) his fiance Dana Elmore and I are photographed after I catered his watching party in Atlanta.
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