Today we’d like to introduce you to Speedy .
Hi Speedy, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up cooking with my paternal grandmother. She used to wake me and my cousin up at 5am to help her prepare Sunday’s dinner. Growing up my dad and I bonded over cooking. He cooked more than my mom. I didn’t really think about a career in cooking until I was about 25 years old. I used to cook all the time. Friends and family suggested I start a catering business so I did. Some old friends helped me come up with my business name, Speedy’s Plates LLC. I started my catering business in 2017. I didn’t get a lot of events my first year but over time, I got more bookings. I took a leap of faith in 2021. I was a Team Leader at Chrysler. The money was good but I decided not to return to my job. I knew that it was time for me to get more serious about my business. It came to a point where I couldn’t get enough off days to keep up with business sometimes. I found myself having to tell customers I wasn’t available because I had to work for someone else. That wasn’t okay for me anymore. So I took that leap of faith. Also, I started a garden business in 2021. My garden business is only fruit and vegetables. I do not work with flowers, just fruits and vegetables. My garden business name is The Backyard Beautician LLC. I Love gardening. It’s my true passion. Both of my grandmothers had gardens and I loved it. I remember picking tomatoes and cucumbers for them. With this business, My services include but are not limited to teaching classes on how to start fruit and vegetable gardens, building raised bed gardens, servicing customers’ gardens, teaching preservation classes, teaching dehydration classes and canning classes. In addition, I sell homemade pickles and jalapeños. My website will be launching soon and I’ll be selling, tea bags, sage, garden tools, mugs, cups, popcorn seasonings and spices.
With all of the hard work I’ve put into my businesses, I’ll say I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for the support of my mom and the thought of knowing that my success affects my kids’ future. I want to make sure my kids are set for life. It’s my job.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’ll say during the beginning of the pandemic, business slowed down for a while. So I decided to start selling dinners since I wasn’t servicing events and that worked out quite well. I didn’t cater for 7 months. It was kind of rough because I loved seeing people’s faces at their baby shower or wedding after eating my food. They’ll say, “omg it’s so good”. I missed that so much. But I am glad to be back to full service catering.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’ll say I don’t necessarily specialize in one single dish. But soul food is my most popular menu items such as fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, green beans and fried catfish. My customers also love my lamb chops and Alfredo. I’m most proud of my ability to be able to create art. I do fruit tables. I like to cut the fruit and place it nicely in the table. It’s so relaxing.
I’m not sure what sets me aside from others, I don’t really think about others. I just focus on what I want to do and get it done. I try to be the best I can be at everything I do. I don’t mind friendly competition but I think it’s money out there for everybody and nobody is stopping my money.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I like that my city is very supportive of everyone. A lot of businesses thrive within my city. I don’t like the potholes in my city. I’m sorry but the potholes here will make you want to never leave your house. Lol.
I have to make sure my customers’ food is tightly secured because hitting one pothole will be a disaster.
Contact Info:
- Email: speedysplatesllc@gmail.com
- Instagram: @speedysplatesllc | @thebackyardbeauticianllc
- Facebook: Speedy’s Plates LLC
