Meet Valencia Collins-George of Refuge HTX Catering and Events

Today we’d like to introduce you to Valencia Collins-George.

Valencia, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I spent years cooking for family and friends at private events for birthdays, holidays, graduations, baby showers, housewarmings, game nights and movie nights. I grew up in a traditional Caribbean household where the kitchen was the most important room in the house. My family is from Trinidad and Tobago. My creole influence comes from my wife, Ashley’s background.

Together I was able to curate a concept that was different enough to separate myself from the million other caterers but also stayed true to self. The numerous compliments on my cooking went from my inner circle to private event referrals. I went through a slump in my project management career which pushed me to seriously consider entrepreneurship. I formed Refuge Unlimited Ventures LLC as my parent company where I will manage a portfolio of businesses. Refuge HTX Catering and Events is the first of many businesses I plan to launch.

The catering concept has been an idea I have worked on for the last few years. Doug Franklin is my phenomenal business management consultant and Brandi Small works with me on developing and executing my food ideas. Both have been instrumental in the growth of the business. We just celebrated our first year in business back in January and we are looking forward to bringing more Caribbean Creole Soul™ to Houston and beyond.

Has it been a smooth road?
Every day is a new obstacle but I welcome to challenges because without challenges there is no growth. Everything from managing daily finances to staying organized and keeping the brand fresh have been challenging.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Refuge HTX Catering and Events – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Refuge HTX Catering and Events is a catering company specializing in private events such as graduation parties, date night in, baby showers, housewarmings and parties, birthdays, game nights, movie nights, sports, holidays, brunch and other themed events.

We serve a culinary trifecta of Caribbean Creole Soul™, a carefully curated menu of some traditional favorites and new mashups that will create an experience like no other.

I am most proud of the vision and that this is something that is true to my self. This is who I am. I love great food but also a great experience that comes with the food. Our concept sets us a part and it has flourished in Houston thanks to our diverse community. Houstonians are looking for the next, new and fresh thing to eat and we definitely provide that.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love Houston’s diversity! I never get tired of Houston because there is always something new to experience around every corner. I travel often and I always miss Houston when I am in other cities. There’s no place like it.

I hate the traffic. It has gotten so bad over the last decade with the population increasing. I would throw in flooding too. It’s becoming a new norm but still a huge inconvenience to deal with.

Contact Info:

• Website: RefugeHTX.com
• Phone: 832-856-5156
• Email: Catering@RefugeHTX.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/RefugeHTX
• Facebook: facebook.com/RefugeHTX
• Twitter: twitter.com/RefugeHTX

Image Credit:
Nyoka Gregory Beauty, Photography by Daniel T. Davis Photography, Refuge Unlimited Ventures LLC

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