Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Andrews.
Hi Andrea, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have loved cooking my entire life, making me the go to person for all things food. I found myself having several calls and conversations about cooking that Inspired me to take my passion to the next level. Once I was discharged from the military, I obtained a degree in Baking and Pastry Arts. This lead to my diverse background in hospitality, working in every type of kitchen you can imagine from K-12 institutional school food service as a Food Service Director to Fine Dining as a Sous Chef. My desire to be an entrepreneur kept burning inside of me. I kept myself busy working on private catering and planning events to keep my skills sharp and up to date. At the end of 2020, I began saving all of the funds from my hospitality side hustles for an entire year. The following year in September of 2021, I jumped in and launched my brand Chef Mom Virtually LLC. Providing cooking resources to inspiring chefs, event coordinator services, performing wedding ceremonies and catering your corporate business meetings, big or small you will be treated like family and a VIP.
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?
I don’t believe anything thing that is meant for us comes on a smooth road. In order to be the best at what you do, you must practice. When you get tired of practicing, you practice some more. In order to appreciate ourselves, we must go down the bumpy road, the one with the potholes. That road prepares us for the unexpected, and builds up our endurance to not give up, when it gets hard. I learned that all of the unwanted things I had to do, were sculpting me into the woman I am today. Some of the struggles along the way, were doubting my abilities when I was overwhelmed. I had to learn to pace myself, to not do everything all at once. I had to open up and ask others for assistance. Being independent is a blessing and a curse, you feel like you have to do it yourself, if you want it done right! I believed that, until I surrounded myself with like minded individuals who where going where I needed to be. Once my mind shifted, It allowed me to trust more and see my growth. I applied that to my fearless work ethic and became unstoppable.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
What I do, is create comfort through food.. I am a food artist, I see a recipe in my head then I create it and present it on a plate. This includes dessert, I love, cheesecake, cake cookies and all things sweets. I specialize in dessert infusions by bringing them together into one creation. I am known for my food flavors and consistency making it the same every time. I am very proud of my YouTube presence and the ability to reach and share my food creations with people all over the world. What sets me apart from others in my ability to connect to people. I get a feel for them and make sure to understand what they are asking for and what they like. Therefore giving me the ability to personalize to their needs.. Being a role model for future junior chefs, or anyone who wants to learn to cook makes me smile everyday.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Something surprising about me that most people who know me /my work /brand is, that I worked in the medical field while serving in the military. People are often shocked when I tell them I am a veteran. Yes, Chef Mom Virtually was a soldier in the U.S. Army. They are also surprised to know that I obtained another degree in Business Administration and Organizational Management after becoming a Certified Pastry Chef.
Contact Info:
- Email: chefmom@chemomvirtually.com
- Website: www.chefmomvirtually.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/chefmomvirtually
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/chefmomvirtually
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/chefmomvir
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCEir5BYaZLmmuA6q-YRc5Kg
Image Credits
Claudia Andrews
Leslie Shaw III
