Today we’d like to introduce you to Priscilla (Pri) Burrell.
Priscilla, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am from East St Louis, IL and I moved to Atlanta for a fresh start. I have created many businesses in the past but they were motivated by money, not passion. Cooking has always been my peaceful place that allowed me to relax and also destress from all the worries of the world. I have been cooking since I was seven and I remember one year for Christmas, I wanted an EasyBake Oven but my mom got me a WatchItBake Oven and I cooked everything I can think of in it, from bologna sandwiches to Mac and cheese. Since I was bullied as a kid and always made fun of about my weight and looks, I had nothing but time on my hands to make stuff. I felt alone after I lost my sister so cooking was the only place I felt safe and the only thing that brought me happiness. It actually saved my life. So, I decided to go to culinary school at Kennesaw State University last year and now, I am a certified chef. My culinary journey has allowed me to connect with so many people on levels beyond my wildest dreams. So, while in school, I founded PRIcise Dining, my catering company that features infused foods like my crown apple cheesecake and a cognac peach cobbler cheesecake which is a customer favorite thus far.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I have definitely had my share of crosses to bear and mountains to climb since starting this culinary journey. One of my biggest struggles, in the beginning, was knife skills and relearning how to hold a knife properly and the different types of cuts. I moved slow with cutting and I became discouraged because my hands would be in pain because I have carpal tunnel and I felt like I was falling behind in class. However, my teacher reminded me how it takes time and practice to become better and I had to be patient. It was a life lesson for me because I am always on the go and I never really slow down to observe or enjoy the process. My mom would tell me to slow down but I never listen because I am stubborn. However, trying to develop my knife skills forced me to slow down and take my time after learning the hard way from a few finger cuts. By the end of class, I was faster and stronger in my knife skills and my teacher complimented me often for the growth he saw in me. I also faced the challenge of having no vehicle to get to class towards the end of schooling, losing my job, and my kid’s godmother passing away. There were so many fires I was trying to put out that I started to become overwhelmed. Nevertheless, I got it done thanks to my faith in God and my small circle of friends that pour into me and my dreams. I ended up being one of the top students in my class and my teacher personally reached out to me after my final presentation to let me know how great I did and how proud he was of me. Those struggles was the start of my rise to the top and I will always be grateful for them.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about PRIcise Dining – what should we know?
PRIcise Dining is a catering business that specializes in southern cuisine with a Midwest flair. We prepare a variety of things for private events and we are seeking to expand into a food truck in the near future. Right now, we are known for our desserts in a jar and infused cheesecakes. I am proud of the progress PRIcise Dining has started to make in the culinary world and the footprints I am leaving in people’s heart. My food tells my story and can connect to people on so many levels emotionally and spiritually. What sets PRIcise Dining apart from others is not only do I listen to customer feedback, but I put love in every dish I make because I want people to feel at home when they are partaking in my food. In a world full of negativity and hate, my food brings a smile to people faces and joy in there heart because that’s what I feel when I am cooking. I suffer from depression and I understood the emotional rollercoaster life can have you on. When I felt like the world was too much to bare, I would just go in the kitchen and make a caramel cake or gumbo from scratch. By the time I would finish cooking, I would feel refresh and ready to fight another day. PRIcise Dining’s food catering is proud to be a place where a table is prepared and welcomes all people from different walks of life.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I credit my kids especially my daughter Robin who wants to be a chef herself because they are always taste testers and Robin gives the hardest critiques. My partner who not only encouraged me along the way but also helped me throughout my creative process. She actually came up with the name and she helps with menu planning. Last, my friends Nikesha, Skyla, and Amber who never lets me throw a pity party and always encouraging me on in every way including asking me to ship them food. I appreciate that more than they know because it keeps me sharp and ready for the next big thing.
Contact Info:
- Email: chefpri618@icloud.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/chefpri618/
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