Today we’d like to introduce you to Sabrina Renée.
Sabrina, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started this food journey 4 years ago out of a need to teach my family how to eat better for health. Riddled with typical ailments found in my community (diabetes, heart disease, etc.), my family was not in the best of conditions when I returned home to Miami for a quick 2 year hiatus in 2012, after spending 10 years in DC. Despite having to deal with the circumstances of keeping up a less-than-healthy diet, they were still eating the foods they were raised on – boxed, frozen and processed – and I couldn’t stand by and watch those habits have their way.
I trained myself to cook in a way that’s conscious about health but doesn’t shun flavor and taste. Trained others to eat whole, fresh foods and how to infuse “necessities” into meals that were better for their health. I enjoy seeing the initial taste test reaction, once someone has tried cauliflower versus potatoes in a mash, creamy avocado risotto or crunchy cinnamon apples with whipped cream and a 4 berry compote. It was just a matter of time before it developed into a true passion and I’d perfected to a point, where I not only wanted to provide meals to others but wanted to spread the overall wealth of food knowledge, consciousness and healthy habits.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Personally, it’s taken years for me to be comfortable in affirming my need for a less than traditional life path. Being an entrepreneur is not easy and not everyone has the passion or bravery to live their life based on what some may deem “uncertainty” – but when’s its the one thing that drives your purpose, you do it without fear of failure or judgment and in the face of the doubts of others. Business-wise, funding and solidifying a solid, reliable team are always obstacles, but nothing a little ingenuity can’t solve.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Appetize Atlanta – what should we know?
Appetize Atlanta specializes in appetizers and hors-d’oeuvres for small events of traditional American, Southern and International origin, with a mission of making conscious food choices more approachable in urban communities. We focus the company’s efforts on supporting local woman small business owners and creative entrepreneurs, while creating innovative and interactive avenues to introduce healthier foods to the company’s target audience, including Meal Prep (#MoreMealsMoreLife), Client-Drive Parties (Sushi Party!), Private Chef Services (issaDate!) Classes (Kids Meals) and Event + Community Collaborations (Brunch + a Movie, Lifestyle Leap).
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My experience growing up in multicultural Miami, with influences of Black American and Haiti in the city, to Cuba in Lil’ Havana and pockets of international flare on the Beach, was just my introduction to the world of cuisine. My Howard University and D.C. experience, in general, was my view of culinary from an even larger landscape. It was there, that I was introduced to foods of even more backgrounds, from the large African community on campus to the city’s large Ethiopian center, Greek options on U Street, Jumbo Slices in Adams Morgan, Steak Shops and Dim Sum Downtown, Chinatown treats, fresh seafood from the Wharf and more Wings and Fries with Mambo Sauce than one can fathom. My food today reflects a multitude of that influence.
Pricing:
- Apps + Hors D’oeuvres for Small Events: $12 – $18 / person
- Client-Driven Parties (Ramen, Sushi, Plant-Based, Burger, Taco, etc.): $150 – $300
- #MoreMealsMoreLife Meal Prep Plan: $185 / month or $50 / week
Contact Info:
- Website: http://bit.ly/appetizeatlIG
- Email: appetizeatlanta@gmail.com
- Instagram: http://bit.ly/appetizeatlIG
- Facebook: http://bit.ly/appetizeatlFB
- Twitter: http://bit.ly/appetizeatlTW
- Other: http://bit.ly/appetizeatlYT
Image Credit:
Chef Sabrina Renèe, Appetize Atlanta
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
