Today we’d like to introduce you to Doneisha Odum.
Hi Doneisha, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I began years ago by cooking for family and close friends. I love cooking and entertaining, so one Sunday evening, my cousin mentioned that I should sell my food. Those in attendance thought it was a great idea as well. Initially, I wasn’t enthused about the idea. It had to grow on me. I started by vending at pop-up shops around the city to get my name out there. From there, I began catering small events such as baby showers and meet and greets.
During the pandemic, I started selling and delivering lunch plates to local warehouses, which boosted my presence. I created a “Dine ‘n Dance” event, which served as a culinary showcase and an opportunity for my supporters to fellowship. This event increased my exposure and increased my business.
Today, I cater, provide meal prep, and occasionally sell lunch plates. I am an educator, so I cannot devote myself to my small business full-time; however, I plan to take that leap of faith soon.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Operating a small business is a challenging feat. There are several competitors, and you have to stay ahead of the game by providing a variety of options, attractive pricing, and establishing a presence.
With rising food and supply costs, it becomes challenging. However, it is important to stay visible and provide quality products consistently.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My primary role is in the field of Education. I have served as a teacher and administrator for over ten years.
I have worked with elementary, middle, and high school students. I even managed an adult education component, which I am incredibly proud of. Under my tutelage, that program grew and produced the most significant number of adult graduates since its inception, with our oldest graduate earning a high school diploma at 61 years old.
In terms of my small business, Odum’s Kitchen provides comfort food with quality ingredients. Some of my top-selling items are my scratch-made butter rolls, my excellent peach cobbler, and my incredible 5-cheese seafood mac ‘n cheese. I never cut corners, as I believe that my customers deserve nothing but the best.
Being from the South, people can be highly critical of food. I’ve been told that I cook like a grandma, which is a compliment here! I strive for excellence with every dish; my customers know this is standard practice.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Integrity is an essential element of my success. I always conduct good business, and I provide exceptional customer service.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.odumskitchen.bigcartel.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/odumskitchen/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/odumskitchen/
- Other: https://www.google.com/search?q=odums&sxsrf=APwXEddvIdh_1ijthD2r6nrDnCtuoeYhGg%3A1683725658394&ei=Wp1bZP_SF7msqtsPkci4yAc&gs_ssp=eJzj4tVP1zc0LLTMNU3KNSs0YLRSNaiwsDBPszA2MktOMk5MMzIztjKoMDcxSbM0MjNJMzQySEkxM_VizU8pzS0GAP5VENI&oq=odums&gs_lcp=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_IARPAAQHaAQYIARABGAnaAQYIAhABGAjaAQYIAxABGBQ&sclient=gws-wiz-serp
