Today we’d like to introduce you to Joshua Martin.
Joshua, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Well my name is Joshua L. Martin. I am born and raised here in Houston, Texas, where I received my Undergraduate Degree in Health Science at the University of Houston. Upon graduating, I enrolled in Texas Teachers Alternative Certification Program to receive my teaching certificate. I student taught for one year in the Pasadena Independent School District for one year while I searched for a Certified Teaching Position. This was a very hard struggle, being that many schools did not want to hire me as a 1st Year teacher during the middle of the school year, BUT I did not let that stop me from accomplishing my goals. So, I continued to proceed to find the perfect job for me which I landed at Frost Elementary School in the Houston Independent School District for the 2017-2018 school year. Upon starting the new school year off in August 2017, my life took a turn left. Hurricane Harvey had hit Houston, and left my family and I with absolutely nothing. The place that I knew as home had over 4 feet of water in it, leaving us with displaced, carless and nothing to spare but of life. At this time when I was excited to meet my new group of students, turned to be one of the most traumatic times of my life. But I did not let this unfortunate circumstance stop me from pushing through. While being displaced I continued to strive to be the best teacher that I could be for my 26 1st grade students. I went to work every day with the pain of my current life reality but I had a big purpose to fulfill for my students. By the close of that year, I was nominated and won Texas Teacher of the Year in the entire state of Texas. This was such a blessing being that I had worked tremendously hard for the past ten months.
As life continued after Hurricane Harvey, in August of 2018 I was nominated and won Houston Sweepstake Teacher of the Year Sponsored by 99 cent stores. This current school year, I had the opportunity of collaborating with Wal-Mart and creating a sponsorship for our entire school. The company provided the school with backpacks, school supplies and gave the teacher lounge a complete makeover. This opportunity was a tremendous blessing because Frost Elementary is a Title I School, and therefore our students are economically and academically disadvantaged. Working with Wal-Mart gave us the resources and support needed to make sure our students were on an even playing field in the classroom. I also had the opportunity to partner with the local YMCA, who provided further supplies to get us through the year.
In December of 2019, I was awarded the RackRoom Shoes’ “Real Teacher of the Year Award” which provided Frost Elementary with a $10,000 technology grant. This grant provided our school with technology equipment that would assist our teachers in meeting the academic deficits that our students face on a daily basis. At the closing of December of 2019, I held my first Annual Bicycle Give-away at Frost Elementary School. I chose to invest my time in this opportunity so that some of our students, who otherwise would not have a Christmas, would know their community supports them.
In May of 2020 I was also honored to win Houston ISD South Area Teacher of the year. Being that the current school year was abruptly changed due to Covid-19, I still strived to be the best teacher I could possibly be for all of my students.
So, with saying all of this, I decided January of 2020 to officially launch my catering company by the name of NITRAM’ Caters. I had been catering and cooking my entire life for family and friends, but this year I felt that God told me that it was my time to “turn up the notch”. I grew up in the kitchen with my grandmother from East Texas and my mother whom has roots that go back to Louisiana. As a young boy while my other siblings and cousins would be playing, I was in the kitchen helping and learning how to make different recipes from two of the most influential people that I know. The things that I learned from them both will forever stick with me.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Starting a business is not easy or a smooth road at all. There are many obstacles that come your way that makes you wonder sometime if you are truly on the right path. Before I decided to absolutely launch my business, I was hesitant on what people would think about my food, was it actually good enough, would I just be “another food page” and if I would absolutely flop. But, after talking with my Favorite Cousin Airiealle she said ” Josh, As Steve Harvey once said, when you jump, I can assure you that your parachute will not open right away. But if you do not jump, your parachute will never open.” This quote stood out me so much, being that I could think of every reason not to jump and take that leap into this avenue, but I decided to do so and have not looked back. Now the road I am traveling is not easy, being that I have so many questions on how to take my business to the next level, but along the way I am learning step by step.
Please tell us about your business.
NITRAM’ Caters is one of Houston’s up and coming Catering Company and soon to be Food Spot. The company is owned and operated by Chef NITRAM’, Whom is Passionate About the Art of Cooking with The Desire to Leave You with a FLAVORSOME Experience You Will Never Forget. In every meal that I create, I think before I start on if I were the customer, what would I want. I make sure that every meal that is given to customers is made with the absolute objective of satisfaction. If your customer is not 100% satisfied, then you did not fulfill the mission. I enjoy making sure that every meal is presentable beyond all measures. Presentation is Key! Before a customer taste your food, they will see how it looks and I want my customers to be amazed by how BEAUTIFUL their food looks. Many individuals do not know but food is also art. The art of plating is very important. My specialty is ultimately Customer Satisfaction. I cook to please all customers no matter if the dishes are from American Cuisine, Italian, Cajun/ Creole, Spanish, Soulfood and etc. I enjoy being very versatile with my menu because it allows you to serve customers in all backgrounds. This is the main thing that sets me apart from many other competitors. Many find one area to specialize in, but I find myself enjoying to satisfy what my customers want to eat and not just what I would like to cook.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I would start over, I would do absolutely nothing different. I believe that in life everything happens for a reason and that it is all on Gods timing. So being that god told me it was my time, I made sure to walk down the path that he has created for me. Now I do understand that I am a full-time teacher, Grad Student and now Owning and Operating a company it might seem like a lot, but I can’t complain about what I have asked for. Now one thing I would like to do in the future I must say I would like to help others as myself whom had a hobby see that the hobby they have can turn into their passion and money maker.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 713-487-8336
- Email: NitramCaters@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nitramcaters/ https://www.instagram.com/justniittram/
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