Today we’d like to introduce you to Jairus/Nekeshia Ivy
Hi Jairus/Nekeshia, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My wife (Nekeshia Ivy) and I started our journey as chefs with a vision: to create unforgettable dining experiences with fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Whether it was cooking for family and friends or experimenting with new recipes, We both knew that food was our calling.
Over time, our skills and dedication led us to take a leap of faith—launching Ivy Collins Events. What started as private dinner services soon expanded into catering, where we mastered the art of bringing people together over beautifully curated meals. But we didn’t stop there. With a dream of reaching even more people, we ventured into the food truck business, making gourmet flavors accessible on the go.
Today, we have built a brand that represents excellence, creativity, and the belief that great food should always tell a story. From intimate dinners to large-scale events, our journey is proof that with passion and hard work, dreams do come to life.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, the road has not been smooth but with great struggles, comes great rewards. I can give a small list of some of the struggles along the way, which may help others thinking to get into this business.
1. High operating costs – Expenses for food, equipment, permits, and staffing can add up quickly.
2. Clients undervaluing services – Some customers don’t understand the cost of fresh ingredients, labor, and expertise.
3. Budget limitations – Many clients have unrealistic budgets that don’t cover the true cost of food and service.
4. Inconsistent cash flow – Business can be seasonal, with slow periods affecting revenue.
5. Food truck maintenance and regulations – Repairs, permits, and location restrictions can be costly and time-consuming.
6. Unpredictable demand – Catering and private chef bookings can fluctuate, making it hard to plan inventory and staffing.
7. Competition – Standing out among other private chefs, caterers, and food trucks in a crowded market.
8. Marketing and brand awareness – Constantly needing to attract new clients while retaining existing ones
These are some that can make or break your business, but there are ways to overcome this, with being flexible and creative.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Our business specializes in delivering unforgettable culinary experiences that bridge traditional roots with innovative international twists.
• Fusion Cuisine Excellence: We expertly blend the time-honored recipes of our heritage with spices, seasonings, and techniques from various cultures. This creates a dynamic and flavorful twist that sets our dishes apart.
• Diverse Service Offerings: Whether it’s intimate private chef dinners, large-scale catered events, or gourmet food truck experiences, we try to provide a range of services tailored to different occasions.
• Culinary Storytelling: Every dish we serve comes with a story. Our background, passion, and commitment to quality shine through in every meal, making each dining experience more than just food—it’s an immersive cultural journey.
Each dish/flavor we create, comes from passion and care of the idea to create new flavor experiences.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
There are several ways people can work with, collaborate with, or support our business:
1. Book our Services
• Private Chef Experiences: Clients can book an exclusive dining experience for special occasions.
• Catering Services: You provide high-quality catering for weddings, corporate events, and private parties.
2. Collaborate with Us
• Brand Partnerships: Work with food brands, spice companies, or kitchenware brands for collaborations.
• Pop-Up Dinners & Events: Partner with restaurants, event planners, or other chefs to create special dining experiences.
• Content Collaborations: Work with influencers, bloggers, or Food Network scouts to expand oour audience.
3. Support our Growth
• Invest in our Vision: Investors or sponsors can help fund our seasoning and glaze line or contribute to expanding our food truck operations.
• Buy our Future Product Line: Once launched, customers can purchase our signature seasonings and sauces.
• Engage on Social Media: Liking, sharing, and commenting on our content which helps spread the word and build brand awareness.
• Word of Mouth & Referrals: Recommending our services to friends, family, and businesses helps expand our reach.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ivycollinsevents.com
- Instagram: ivycollins_events
- Facebook: Ivy-Collins Events
