Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley White.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’m better known as the kitchen queen. I’m the founder of Dutch Strutter’s Katering located here in Houston, TX. I’m 27 years old and the mother of three beautiful children. I’m the baby girl of five children and the only child from my mother. Although my mother passed when I was only 12 years old… And my dad at the age of 22, I know they are indeed proud of how far I’ve come. I graduated at the age of 16 in 2008 and at that time I thought I would go on to college to become a hospital administrator. Well god clearly had other plans for me. Being that I was on my own, I had to make sure I survived, so I began to work multiple jobs. I worked as a general office manager for a sign company my mother was once employed at!! Going to work with her at such a young age, I knew all the ins and outs of the company…
So once I was of age, I was offered the job as a superior!! I kept that job for seven years. Shortly after giving birth to my firstborn daughter, I returned to Houston community college to take up business administration. Being that I come from a family of great cooks… And my being a chef I always had a different type of love for food. From my mother’s authentic gumbo… To my dad turning anything he touched into edible gold. In 2012 I unfortunately lost my dad to a heart attack and my world came tumbling down. I lost everything… Everything I owned. Having two children by the age of 20, I was forced to make a better way. Interview after interview it seemed that every door was slammed in my face… But only for God to open a bigger one. I asked for him to show me the way… And promised him I would never look back.
May 2014, I took my last $200 to my name and stepped out on faith. Instagram had become a big thing. I would post the meals I prepare for me and my children and people would ask for me to sale them plates. I declined for a great while.. Until the day something came over me to make a change. I went and purchased ingredients to prepare my signature seafood pasta. I chose that dish because my dad would call it “a million dollar dish” whenever I would make it for him. So I made four pans and later came up on a $600 profit. I said to myself I can do this daily. Business then began to boom. I did specials every week, then later started to do all sorts of events. My cousin (Lakeia Jackson of the braid cave) blessed me with honor of catering her wedding for 150 people. It was beautiful and a wonderful experience. Soon after I decide to elevate to the next level by enrolling in Lenotre Culinary Institute. Culinary school was everything I imagined.., but business became too overwhelming… I dropped out after finding out I was pregnant with my 3rd child.
Once I gave birth, I came back as a force to be reckoned with. I then began to make a name for myself.., so I hired a marketing manager (Nicole Mattews of “the marketing chicks”). Networking seminars and tastings became my hobby. I prepared food free of charge for numerous local events and businesses in the Houston area to create my own buzz and krown tastebuds. Everyone from everywhere began to rant and rave about the dishes I prepared. I then knew at that moment this would be my way of life.i really enjoy cooking it brings me so much joy! The love I have for food and culinary arts is impeccable. Nothing makes me happier.
I look forward to finishing school this fall and look forward to continue making a name for myself. I have dreams of opening a nice restaurant and becoming a travel chef in the near future. I’m grateful for all my family, friends, clients, and supporters for believing in me and sticking by my side for the past five years. I have so much in store and can’t wait to share it with the world. This journey has not been easy… But I’m thankful to still be riding my own wave. Be sure to book me for any upcoming events from birthday parties, private catering, baby showers, or even corporate luncheons, and so much more. Krowning tastebuds with faith, favor, and a whole bunch of flavor… All things queen!!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
This journey has not been easy!! I’ve faced many unfortunate circumstances along the way!! From being late, dropping food, even showing up to the wrong client’s house from being overbooked. Also my first year of business… I ubered to all my events because I didn’t have a car. Along with being pregnant… Walking to stores to purchase shoes. I remember one event, I walked back with the basket…
Please tell us about Dutch strutter’s katering by the kitchen queen.
I’m a self-taught chef here in Houston, TX… I first specialized in southern comfort food and authentic cajun dishes.., but I now specialize in international cuisine being this is my last year of culinary school. I’m known for many dishes I prepare from seafood pasta, cajun seafood, and curry oxtails. I’m proud to say that I made a name for myself by putting in blood, sweat, and tears. I feel that by me noting having “team”… It sets me apart knowing that I cater all of these events “alone”. I always get the job done.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I had to start over, I would invest more into my business for it to blossom.
Pricing:
- $200 THE DIAMOND PACKAGE
- $400 THE QUEENLY THING PACKAGE
- $1,000 THE GOLD RUSH PACKAGE
Contact Info:
- Phone: 281-827-3498
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @CHEFDUTCH_STRUTTER
- Facebook: ASHLEY WHITE
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
