Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Travis
Hi Crystal, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born on March 15, 1980, in Nashville, Tennessee, and raised in Hardyville, Kentucky. My journey is a testament to resilience. After graduating high school in Miami, I enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving as a Chemical Equipment Repairer. The challenges of military life, including time away from my young son during deployment, tested my strength.
Transitioning to civilian life, I worked as a FedEx driver before moving into the oil and gas industry. A layoff in 2017 was a turning point, but I rebounded by returning to oil and gas while catering part-time, ultimately launching my veteran-owned and operated business, Cadence Catering & Cuisine.
By 2021, my catering venture flourished, earning a reputation in the Film & Production Catering industry. I recently secured a 20-day catering project for a film crew from Los Angeles and am set to cater a tribute event for a Houston artist in 2025. As a 100% disabled veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, I take pride in my work and the impact I can make in my community.
Despite personal challenges, including a difficult breakup and the loss of my dog, I remain focused on my culinary passion. I am currently working on a cookbook and collaborating on major projects. I recently completed my time at the Revolt Music Festival in Atlanta, Georgia, where I had the pleasure of working with Shanita Castle, the owner of Castle Catering.
I’m committed to giving back to my community by feeding the homeless and providing job opportunities for fellow veterans. I love to work with other small local businesses when I have the opportunity. My journey embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship, driven by gratitude and determination.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
In the Army, I served as a 63J, a “Chemical Equipment Repairer,” specializing in the maintenance of chemical equipment. I got married in 1999 and welcomed my son, “DaBein” not long after. The world changed dramatically after the September 11 attacks, I had just reenlisted 3 days before 9/11 for another four years. My military journey took me to Bamberg, Germany, and eventually to Iraq as part of “Operation Iraqi Freedom.” The 18 months I spent away from my young son were incredibly challenging, but I returned just in time for his 5th birthday.
After completing my military service, I moved to Houston, Texas, and started working as a FedEx driver. This position offered me a sense of stability, but during my deliveries, I encountered individuals heading back overseas as government contractors. Seizing that opportunity, I decided to pursue a similar path. Transitioning into the oil and gas industry opened up exciting international work opportunities, but in 2017, I faced a significant setback when I was laid off. This period was tough, leading to financial difficulties and personal struggles that tested my resilience. Nonetheless, I returned to the oil and gas sector in 2019 while catering part-time—a decision that would change my life.
Despite my professional successes, the past few months have been emotionally challenging. The breakup with my partner, who was also deeply involved in the business, hit me hard, and losing my beloved dog: “Koco” of 12 years has been incredibly difficult. These personal hardships have taken a toll on me, especially during a time when I’m striving to maintain and grow my business. Navigating these feelings while pushing forward has been a true test of my resilience and faith.
Everyone has their unique path and experiences, which sometimes means that not everyone will understand or share the same vision. Growth often requires a willingness to step outside of comfort zones, embrace change, and pursue personal development. If you’re feeling called to follow a certain path or mission, you must surround yourself with those who support your growth and share similar values.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Rediscovering my passion for catering was a game-changer. I had nurtured this interest through meal prep services and various catering gigs. Encouraged by a fellow veteran, I pursued and received a 100% disability rating in 2021, allowing me to focus full-time on my catering business. That’s when I founded Cadence Catering & Cuisine, LLC, a Houston-based, traveling company known for its high-quality service and commitment to excellence.
Over the years, Cadence Catering has flourished, catering prestigious events and serving celebrity clients, carving out a notable presence in the Film & Production Catering industry. I am proud to give back to my community by feeding the homeless and providing job opportunities for fellow veterans. I love to collaborate with other small businesses. My journey has been about more than just business; it’s about making a difference and being surrounded by good energy.
By 2021, my catering venture had truly taken off, with each event exceeding the last in scale and excitement. I was excited to be booked for a major upcoming 20-day catering project for a Film and Production Co. from Los Angeles, which will be filming in Atlanta. This opportunity underscored my expanding industry reputation and ability to embrace new challenges. Additionally, I secured a booking for a tribute to a Houston Legend in the beginning of 2025, further showcasing my ambition and the bright future ahead for my business.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I was born on March 15, 1980, in Nashville, Tennessee, but my journey began in Hardyville, Kentucky, where I was raised by my grandmother. Growing up in a small town instilled in me a sense of community and resilience. My grandmother had a unique way of nurturing me—dressing me in beautiful dresses and surrounding me with a variety of animals, which fostered a deep appreciation for life and responsibility.
However, it was my time in the U.S. Army that truly shaped my character and values. After moving to Miami and graduating from Miami Southridge Senior High School in 1998, I made the pivotal decision to enlist in the military. There, I learned the importance of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance—lessons that have been invaluable throughout my life.
My grandmother, who passed away in December 2020 during a time of global uncertainty, instilled in me the principles of hard work and determination that continue to inspire me.
As I look to the future, I am focused on personal growth and building meaningful relationships. I am currently developing a unique cookbook and custom merchandise to share my culinary journey, aiming to connect with others through my passion for food and community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cadencecatering.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cadencecatering
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082875847679
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@cadencecatering
