Today we’d like to introduce you to Karina Johnson.
Hi Karina , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey started with a love for food and family. I was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, raised in St. Louis, Missouri, and grew up watching my mother cook for our family. Being in the kitchen became a place of connection, creativity, and comfort for me at an early age.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely has not been a smooth road, but every challenge has helped shape me into the shef and business owner I am today. Like many entrepreneurs, I started with limited resources and had to build my business from the ground up through consistency, sacrifice, and faith. There were times when balancing the creative side of cooking with the business side of entrepreneurship felt overwhelming, especially while trying to grow a brand in a very competitive industry.
One of the biggest challenges was learning how to scale while still maintaining the quality and personal touch my clients expect. Working long hours, managing events, staffing, budgeting, and building relationships all at once required a lot of discipline and resilience. There were also moments of self-doubt, setbacks, and financial challenges that tested my commitment to the vision I had for Food For Thought.
Relocating and continuing to establish my business presence in Memphis also came with challenges, but it pushed me to network more, invest in myself, and remain adaptable. Over time, those experiences helped me grow stronger as both a leader and entrepreneur.
Despite the obstacles, I stayed committed to my purpose and continued learning every step of the way. Those struggles taught me perseverance, strengthened my work ethic, and gave me an even deeper appreciation for every opportunity I’ve earned.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am the owner and executive shef of Food For Thought, a full-service catering company based in Memphis, Tennessee. My company specializes in weddings, corporate catering, private dinners, meal prep services, specialty events, and large-scale food service. I’m known for creating flavorful, elevated dishes with beautiful presentation while still bringing comfort and authenticity to every experience. My philosophy has always been to “specialize in what you’re cooking at the moment,” which means I give every client and every event my full attention and creativity.
Over the years, I’ve built a reputation for professionalism, consistency, and the ability to execute high-quality events under pressure. I’ve had the opportunity to serve a wide range of clients and organizations, and I’m proud that Food For Thought is certified to do business with entities including the City of Memphis, Shelby County Government, the University of Tennessee system, Shelby County Schools, MLGW, and Memphis International Airport.
What I’m most proud of is not only building a successful business from the ground up, but balancing entrepreneurship while being a mother. Being a mom has motivated me to work harder, stay disciplined, and create something meaningful for my children to be proud of. There have been long days, late nights, and sacrifices along the way, but motherhood has given me an even deeper sense of purpose and determination.
I believe what truly sets me apart is my ability to combine culinary skill, business professionalism, and genuine care for people. I don’t just provide food—I create experiences that bring people together. I also believe in giving back to my community through mentoring, feeding initiatives, and speaking to youth about entrepreneurship and financial literacy. For me, success is not only about growing my business, but also about inspiring others and opening doors for the next generation.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is creating a meaningful legacy through both my family and my work. As a mother and entrepreneur, everything I do is driven by purpose. I want my children to see firsthand what hard work, resilience, faith, and determination can build, no matter where you start in life.
I’m also passionate about serving people and bringing others together through food. Food has always represented comfort, connection, and community to me, and being able to create experiences that make people feel cared for is something I never take for granted. Whether I’m catering a wedding, feeding families, mentoring young entrepreneurs, or giving back to the community, I want my work to leave a positive impact.
What matters most is building something bigger than myself—something that inspires others, creates opportunities, and shows people that success is possible with consistency and dedication. That’s the reason I continue to push myself both personally and professionally every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fftscatering.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fftscatering901
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17vjp1q5D7/
