Meet Jaia Clay of Chasin’ The Taste

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaia Clay.

Jaia, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Chasin’ The Taste was a dream that I turned into reality. I always wanted to become a chef because of my passion for food and the joy that it brings to others. I was working as a Tech Coach for Asurion and I had been working for them for about a year. I was getting to the point where work was no longer fun and I wanted something different. I began to look for jobs in my career pathway and I came across a Craigslist ad where “Music City Brisket” was hiring. A new food truck in Nashville, TN. July 2015 I put in my two weeks’ notice for Asurion and started working for Music City Brisket Food Truck. Help starting a new food truck was one of the best experience of my life. I learned a lot of things and most importantly we had an awesome team. Even though I loved working for Music City Brisket something was still missing. May 2016 I decided to take a leap out on faith and terminate my position at Music City Brisket. I began selling dinner plates from my apartment and it was a success. August 2016 I relocated to Houston, TX. I am currently still selling dinner from my apartment trying to save enough money to hopefully open my own food truck.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, this have not been a smooth road. I have been through a lot within my first couple of months in business. It’s like a rollercoaster. I’ve been taking advantage of, everyone didn’t support me like they said they were, I’ve made many sacrifices, and it’s very hard to start over in a city where no one knows you.

Please tell us about Chasin’ The Taste.
Chasin’ The taste is a catering company. Far as food I specialize in Italian, Mexican, some French, American, some Chinese and Japanese Cuisines. I am most proud of how far I have come and some goals I have accomplished getting here. I think what sets me apart from others is my ambitious and what I’m willing to give for my business. I also do everything by myself such as, cooking, delivering, marketing, creating my website, create weekly menus, etc.

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 have had more money saved and I would have taken a few marketing classes.

Pricing:

• Dinner plates $11-$20
• Large Events $1000 and up
• Small events $450 and up

Contact Info:

• Address: Houston, TX 77077
• Website: www.chasinthetaste.wixsite.com/chefjai
• Phone: 2698496937
• Email: chasinthetaste@gmail.com
• Instagram: Chasin_the_taste
• Facebook: Chasin’ The Taste
• Twitter: _ChefJai
• Yelp: Chasin’ The Taste

Image Credit:
Janecia Threets
Jaia Clay