Katina Johnson shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Katina, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Lately I would have to say my boyfriend, Jihad. He is my safe space. I work really hard, I mean really hard. So, to have that person in your corner when the curtains close to consistently tell you that you are doing a great job and that they are proud of you is top tier. When I have nothing left in me from working, running multiple businesses, and being a mom, he’s there with something positive or uplifting to say to get me going again. I love him for that.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Katina Johnson, professionally known Tina Bina on the Pots or Shef Tina. Yes, its Chef with an S. It even has its own definition.
SHE/F: 1. A woman with cooking powers. 2. A woman who cooks meals men can’t. 3. A woman adding happiness to food.
I am a classically trained Shef, entrepreneur, and the founder of Food for Thought, a Memphis-based catering company originally launched in St. Louis in 2016. A proud graduate of Le Cordon Bleu with a perfect GPA, I built my career off working
in luxury resorts and casinos before turning my passion into a thriving business.
My mission is to deliver innovative cuisine with heart—nourishing both the palate and the soul.
Food For Thought specializes in custom catering for events of all sizes, offering additional services
like cooking classes, meal prep parties, and event planning. The company is proudly certified as a
minority- and woman-owned business, holding contracts with the City of Memphis, Shelby
County, and other major institutions. I also have a candle line called Tina Bina Scents and an All-Purpose Breading & Batter mix that she just launched March 2025.
I also co- own an event rental company called Picture Perfect Event Rentals. We bring fun, creativity, and unforgettable memories to every event through our top-quality photo booth service and luxury chairs.
We are currently working on new projects that will be dropping next year.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
I remember when I moved into my first commercial catering kitchen. I never thought in a million years that I would have my own space to cook out of. Having that space made me grow as a business owner. I was able to go through trial and error on my own terms. I then opened my space up to other local chefs for kitchen rental. It gave chefs a safe space to come and cook for their business that didn’t have a space for production. It was really fun. I met a lot of chefs, and we were able to help each other and learn from each other. It felt really good to bring different chefs together that were in different stages in their culinary career. It was a lot of money invested into that space, and I did it for a long time without any business loans.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, there have definitely been times I’ve felt like giving up. The culinary world can be demanding, especially today with food prices constantly rising and clients often expecting more for less. It can be discouraging when people don’t see the stress, the long hours, and the detailed planning that go on behind the scenes to make every dish and event come together flawlessly. There have been moments where I’ve wondered if all the sacrifice was worth it. But then I remember why I started — my passion for creating, for bringing people together through food, and for seeing the joy on someone’s face when they take that first bite. That’s what keeps me going, no matter how tough it gets.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would probably say that what really matters to me is people — making sure everyone around me feels seen, cared for, and enjoys themselves. I’m naturally a giver. I love creating moments where people can relax, laugh, and feel appreciated. I’m the friend who shows up — whether it’s to celebrate, support, or simply listen. Acknowledgment and appreciation mean a lot to me, not because I need recognition, but because I believe kindness and effort should never go unnoticed. I take pride in being that dependable, uplifting presence in the lives of the people I care about.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say that I was truly great — not just for what I accomplished, but for the way I made others feel. That I was warm, inviting, and that my personality showed in everything I touched, from my food to my relationships. I want people to remember how much I loved what I did and how deeply I cared about those around me. That my business wasn’t just about serving food, but about creating experiences filled with love, laughter, and connection. I hope they say I was a great mom, a teacher, partner and a light in every room — someone who was fun, genuine, and unapologetically herself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fftscatering.com
- Instagram: FFTSCATERING901
- Facebook: Food For Thought Specialized Catering
Image Credits
Jacorri Washington
KC Austin
