Exploring Life and Business with Candace Green of Candace’s Kitchen

Today we’d like to introduce you to Candace Green.

Hi Candace, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Well, I first started in 2014. At the time, I was baking only and my business name was Candace’s Goodie Jars and More. I always cooked a little bit, but once COVID hit in March of 2020 and a lot of restaurants and businesses were temporarily closing and not offering dine in services, I began to cook more, just about everyday. I would post my meals on social media and receive comments and messages asking if I offered catering services and I would always say no. I began to entertain the idea of it and it wasn’t until one of my clients sent me a message to ask if I would cater an engagement party, even though she knew I didn’t advertise anything about catering services. I decided to accept the offer and the feedback I received from my client regarding the service and from my social media followers from the pictures I posted was heartwarming and motivating! From there, I decided that a change was needed and I started to revamp my business and on July 12, 2020, I launched Candace’s Kitchen.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
The road has surely not been smooth and that is expected when starting a business and going through a complete revamp. I’m a firm believer in the saying, “nothing worth having comes easy.” Anything worth having takes effort, so I would always have to tell myself to not get discouraged when facing some of the battles that arise when having a business in the food industry. Some of the most challenging obstacles and struggles for me was doubt. Doubting myself on if I made the right decision to implement food into my business because it is a lot that goes into it when it comes to creating menus, pricing events just right, to where you are providing the client a reasonable and fair price, yet still making a profit that reflects your worth. Fear surely set in a lot in the beginning, having fear on if I prepared something just right and ensuring that it was consistent in quality and taste each time that I prepared that certain dish or dessert. In order to overcome fear, I had to truly have faith in myself and once I did, fear and faith no longer coexisted.

We’ve been impressed with Candace’s Kitchen, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Candace’s Kitchen is based in Phoenix, Arizona (out of state bookings can be accepted) and provides catering and personal chef services for any special event and/or occasion. If a client selects the personal chef services option, I will come to the desired location and prepare the full menu of choice right there in their very own kitchen. I provide services for birthdays and anniversary dinner parties, business luncheons, weddings, and intimate dinner parties. Pretty much any occasion where food and/or desserts are involved, my services can be requested. I also offer services for brunch parties as well, and I have a Mobile Chef Party option to where I come to the designated location and show you and your guests how to prepare a certain meal while you prepare it with me as well at your own cooking station.

I would have to say I am known for my Soul Food/Southern Cooking. You know the collard greens, candid yams, baked macaroni and cheese, smothered chicken, and other food items that fall into that category. My mom is originally from Arkansas and she taught me how to prepare a lot of the southern dishes that are on my menu and being that I am located on the West Coast in Phoenix, there aren’t a lot of restaurants where you can go to get some good down home southern cooking.

I think what sets myself apart from others is that my secret ingredient is always love. When I’m preparing a client’s menu, even if they aren’t right in front of me, I give it my full undivided attention, as if I’m cooking or baking for the person that I love the most.

I am most proud about brand-wise that I started my brand from the ground up with no help and very little knowledge. Just learning as I go and leaning on other Chef’s who are at the level that I want to be on for advice and suggestions. I never feel as if I can’t learn something from someone else and everyday I just try to work more and more on my craft so I can be the best that I can be at it.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I know a lot of people won’t believe this, but growing up I did not like to cook or be in the kitchen. If someone would’ve told me ten years ago that I would be doing what I’m doing now, I probably would’ve laughed at them, lol! I always wanted to be a publicist and work in the entertainment industry but doing what I do now, I have had the opportunity to work with some well-known celebrities, just not as their publicist, but their Chef.

I always pretty much have had the same personality as far as being outgoing and having a lot of hustle and grind about myself because nothing is more rewarding than seeing the benefits from all of your hard work. I will say that over the years, life has made me a stronger woman than I once was and I’m thankful for that.

Pricing:

• Catering services begin at $250
• Mobile chef party services begin at $250
• Personal chef services begin at $300
• Traveling chef services begin at $500

Contact Info:

• Email: candaceskitchenaz@gmail.com
• Website: www.candaceskitchen.com
• Instagram: Personal IG: @candace_jade
  Business IG: @candaceskitchenaz
• Facebook: Facebook.com/Candaceskitchenaz

Image Credits
Maarcus Hall