Today we’d like to introduce you to Chantel McKinney.
Hi Chantel, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started cooking at the age of 7. Watching my grandmother and mom. Family food and music. On holidays my grandmother cooked for days. My uncles would bring their instruments and my mother grabbed the microphone and sang.
It was the way that good food brought everyone together and how we sat around the table as a family that made me know this is what I wanted to do. I watched my grandmother, I learned how food was supposed to taste, smell and look. It was how she presented her food and the smiles on the faces of all those whose stomachs were full afterward (and the number of packed Togo plates).
I began cooking as a single mom realizing fast food didn’t hold a child long. They needed substance. So I cooked full meals for them before I went to work. I loved it.
In 2014, I became irritated with the corporate world and couldn’t bare working for anyone else any longer. I lost my dad 6 days after my birthday. After that, I really felt like I needed to find my purpose. I didn’t know a lot about pricing, portion, or production of food. I’ve taught myself these things along the way. Here I am 8 years later, still learning but a thriving catering company.
I teach private adult lessons. But my greatest achievement is teaching children in the community and my granddaughter who is 3. Toot (her nickname) makes some tasty scrambled eggs and scrumptious pies. I feel like children should be well-rounded. If they can cook. They can feed their families when they become adults.
If they choose they can go into a world of culinary arts and become entrepreneurs using those skills to provide for their families. in a world that’s full of uncertainty. If anything happens they can at least know how to feed themselves with bare essentials such as flour milk and eggs. Tell me where you’ve been to a party and you didn’t expect to eat. NOWHERE! Good food equals a great time.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been an easy road. My lack of knowledge in the financial aspect of business cost me a lot.
I was ignorant of key details. I didn’t know there will be days you had 1,000 orders and the next day 25. You have to learn how to balance and know that if you keep going and walking in your purpose. Your gifts will make room for you. In my life there have been many distractions losing my mom in 2016 was a HUGE hurt.
I stumbled a lot after that but I didn’t fall. Please know GOD PROVIDES.
As you know, we’re big fans of Clara Belle’s Kitchen. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Clara Ethel Bell-Dickey was my maternal grandmother and one of the greatest cooks I know. She taught me the art of cooking from the heart. I specialize in soul food and I mastered it. What sets me apart is I don’t cut corners.
I cook everything slow even if it takes all night. I don’t rush anything. I want you to taste every ingredient and feel the love I have for what I do in every bite.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Authenticity!! Being your true self gets you a long way in business. Being relatable draws customers to you and then your customers become family
Contact Info:
- Email: clarabelleskitchenandcatering@yahoo.com
- Instagram: @k8r4u
- Facebook: Clara Belle Kitchen
Image Credits
Clara Belle’s Kitchen
