Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Rae.
Hi Taylor, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
As a self-taught Chef, I’ve been cooking all my life! I still remember being 5yrs old in the kitchen with my Grandmother watching her make gravy from scratch, while being completely mesmerized by her cooking! That was the first of many recipes I learned from her, and to this day it’s one of my favorite things to make.
Even though I’ve always loved to cook, it wasn’t until a few years ago that I decided to give it a shot professionally. I started with selling dinners on Sundays from my hair salon that I owned back home in Chicago. I can truly say that I’ve always had a lot of support with my cooking from my fellow friends and family. Then the pandemic hit and I ended up closing my salon, and decided to reinvent my catering business. So I sat down and created myself a legitimate website, started doing Private Chef events, private dining for couples or small groups, pop-up shops, and both big and small catering events.
And it really just took off from there! Since then I’ve done so much. I’ve had the opportunity to connect and cook for so many locals and a few celebrities in between. I found myself being contacted by major companies for endorsements, being sent PR packages, you name it! All things I’ve never imagined I would have the opportunity to be involved with. I guess it helped a lot that my food is so good, and my customer service is just as good!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not! It’s been times when I really wanted to give up, because being an entrepreneur is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done! And I’m a one woman show, so all the food people see me cook and post on my social media pages I cook 100% by myself! I’ve had help here and there when I’ve had huge orders, but for the most part, I’ve done it alone. Which can be quite challenging mentally and physically.
Relocating my business was also a huge challenge for me, because I’m born and raised in Chicago so everything I know is there. However, when the Lord gave me direction and specific instructions to relocate to Houston, I didn’t hesitate!
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
– Jeremiah 29:11
That bible verse came to me at the same time the Lord spoke to me, and it’s gotten me through so many tough times with my transition here. I didn’t know why God wanted me here, but I’ve trusted his word every step of the way!
As you know, we’re big fans of Tay’s Kitchen Southern Cuisine. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Tay’s Kitchen is an all-around Private Chef and catering business. Specializing in soul food, all my recipes were either passed down to me or handcrafted from myself and my own thoughts of what good southern food should taste like! So I think that’s what sets me apart from others. These recipes aren’t anything you can simply look up and make, they come from the heart!
I’m known to have to best Mac and Cheese you’ve tasted, and I’ve had people literally threaten me for my honey butter cornbread recipe! And that’s what I have to be most proud of, is the fact that people really genuinely love my food that much. It truly brings me joy that people enjoy my cooking.
I want the people of Houston to know that I’m not just here to feed you, but to give you an overall great experience from the time you inquire to the time you put your fork down!
I currently offer Private Chefs (both in home and drop off service), meal prep, private dining, catering, and of course Sunday dinners to-go. No matter if it’s soul food you’re looking for, brunch, or a 5-star steak dinner.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Absolutely! Covid definitely pushed me to more innovative with my business. My ideas for expansion came to life due to the pandemic. I had to figure out a way to make my business as well-rounded as possible. Most of all expanding my social media platforms to tap into that market to get people to know me all over the world!
Pricing:
- Private Dining starts at $300
- Meal Prep starts at $10 per meal
- Catering services vary upon size/quantity
- All pricing is listed on my website in detail
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.Tayskitchen.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tays__kitchen
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/tayskitchensoutherncuisinellc/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/user/Taystylegoddz1
- Other: www.tiktok.com/@tays_kitchen
