Rising Stars: Meet Amelia Payne of Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amelia Payne.

Amelia, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started my company, CateredByPayne, in 2017 during a major turning point in my life after my divorce. I made the decision to take a leap of faith, trust God, and fully commit to building something of my own.
Through hard work, consistency, and the support of amazing clients, family, and friends, I’ve been able to grow the business into what it is today. As a woman and entrepreneur, the journey hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been incredibly rewarding.
Now, nearly 9 years in, I’m grateful, thankful, and proud to still be going strong.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been a completely smooth road—like any business, there have been both challenges and growth along the way. Building from the ground up came with obstacles, learning curves, and moments that tested me, especially in the early stages.
But through it all, I’ve stayed positive and focused on the bigger picture. Every challenge became a lesson, and every win—big or small—kept me motivated. As a business owner, that mindset has been key to my growth and consistency over the years.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m the owner of CateredByPayne, where we provide full-service catering and customized dining experiences for private events, corporate functions, and special occasions. I specialize in elevated comfort food with bold, flavorful profiles—everything from elegant plated dinners to creative hors d’oeuvres and curated event menus.
I’m known for consistency, presentation, and making sure every dish not only tastes amazing but looks just as good. I also take pride in creating a seamless experience for my clients—from menu planning to execution—so they can truly enjoy their event.
What I’m most proud of is building my brand from the ground up and maintaining it for nearly 9 years through hard work, faith, and strong client relationships. Seeing repeat clients and referrals means everything to me.
What sets me apart is my attention to detail, my passion for what I do, and the personal touch I bring to every event. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all menus—everything is tailored to fit the client’s vision, and I treat every event like it’s my own.

How do you think about happiness?
What makes me happy is my children, my grandbabies, and my family—they’re my foundation and my biggest motivation.
I also find real joy in being the best at what I do, especially when it comes to catering for my clients. Seeing people enjoy my food, creating memorable experiences, and knowing I’ve delivered something special—that’s what truly fulfills me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://CATEREDBYPAYNE.co
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cateredbypayne___
• Facebook: CATEREDBYPAYNE