Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Williams.
Kimberly, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
KJJ Homestyle Catering was a concept I started based off of my love for people and cooking for people. For years I’ve had people tell me “Kim, you should sell plates on your off days” or “Kim, you should start a catering business. In the back of my mind I knew I could cook, but I often struggled the thoughts of could I really have a successful catering business? Then in March 2018 I got laid off from my job of 6 years as Executive Chef and things got real, let me tell you lol. So I prayed, I talked to my Pastor Adrian Wynn, stepped on out Faith and in March 2018 KJJ Homestyle Catering was officially a “thing”. Over the past year and a half, I’ve seen the slow but progressive growth of my catering business.
At times, it can be hard to keep going but when I think about how far it’s come then my sense of accomplishment kicks in. I’ve been able to cater events for schools, churches, and I’ve been able cook as a vendor for different events and of course I always get those calls from friends, family and acquaintances. Although it’s still the beginning and I still have much more to learn and build with KJJ Homestyle I am sure that I have long term success ahead of me and look forward to it.
Has it been a smooth road?
One of the biggest struggles is that honestly the food industry is such a big market to compete in. The only thing that sets cooks and GREAT food apart Is the heart and love and time they put into their product which is my consistent goal.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
So let me start off with the name. KJJ simply acknowledges myself (Kim) and my children (Jeremiah and Jasmine). I am working to build a brand and a legacy that I can leave my children, that’s it in a nutshell. Now Homestyle is just what I consider my type of cooking to be. You never know with me lol. Any day of the week can be Sunday just like that in my house. Smothered porkchops, cabbage and greens, candied yams and cornbread. Or it could be a good ole fashioned cheeseburger and tots. No certain style, nothing too fancy just great tasting food, prepared in a clean and safe environment, a meal served my way, a HOMESTYLE meal. What sets me apart is most definitely FOOD SAFETY/SANITATION. I’ve worked as an Executive Chef and managed in food service for over 14 years now. One thing I’ve learned is that you have to provide food that people can trust is being served and handled properly from start to finish. And then it just needs to taste good.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Houston is a city of many opportunities. It’s most definitely a great place to start any kind of business and network in. One MAJOR CRITICAL key component NETWORKING AND CONTACT LIST ARE IMPORTANT!!! You need it to get any business off the ground. I love Houston!
Contact Info:
- Phone: 832-657-9570
- Email: KJJHomestylecatering@gmail.com
- Instagram: @KJJHomestyle
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/kjjhomestyle
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