Today we’d like to introduce you to Carleen Browner.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Carleen. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Since I was a little girl, I’ve had a passion for cooking. I grew up watching my mom and grandmas cook incredible food. The attention and perfection they gave to it was amazing and taught me the importance of that. I learned by watching and then cooking with my grandma, how to put an eight course dinner on the table all at once, and at a very young age. Over the next several years, I hosted as many parties as I could so that I could do what I enjoy, but it wasn’t enough, so I did what I’d always wanted to do and that was go to Culinary School. So I found grants and loans through women’s’ support foundations and put myself through school. It was not easy but I was so happy! When it came time to choose an internship, nothing was catching my eye, and the end of school was coming soon, but I wasn’t worried…I knew the right one would come along. (If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that worrying is a waste of energy, and to have faith) One day the nutritionist for the Colorado Rockies came to school, looking for an intern. I heard the word baseball and was hooked. Baseball and cooking? My two favorite things! What could be better?! So I cooked for the Rockies for five months and loved EVERY single minute of it.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has been far from a smooth road, but all that has happened has only made me a stronger woman and taught me some important life lessons. After being severely injured by a doctor right after my internship, which put me in bed for a few weeks, I felt my catering dream drifting away. But I recovered and because I’m super passionate about my dream and not a quitter, I pressed on. Then, after enduring some family issues and also some heartbreak, it began to feel like one knock down after another. Fortunately I have a really strong quality group of friends who helped get me through, and in the end I realized just how strong I really am. I feel like there’s nothing life can’t throw at me that I can’t handle. I’ve learned that stepping outside of your comfort zone can get you everywhere, and I also learned very quickly, to not listen to ANY negative talk about my dreams. Zero. In one ear out the other, no matter who it is. It only spurred me forward faster.
I will also say that being a female chef has had its challenges from time to time… I’ve experienced sexual harassment… I’ve had male chefs walk out because I was ‘in charge’…I’ve even been proposed to at an event, ha ha. It’s the 21st-century, people! Female chefs exist, and we ROCK.
Tell us more about the business.
Catering by Carly caters private events in homes or really anywhere. Dinner parties large or small, anniversaries, surprise parties, themed events, birthdays, corporate events, you name it we do it. I’ve got to say, people cannot get enough of my amazing lasagna! I make the pasta and sauce homemade, and I make so much of it that there is always lasagna in my life! I have sauce simmering and pasta resting right now!
Clients repeatedly book with me because not only is my food fantastic, but I have a great personality. I can comfortably go into anyone’s home with happiness and fun while working my magic in the kitchen. I love meeting new people, which is one of the reasons I do what I do. You asked what I am most proud of, and I would say it is the fact that I overcame many many obstacles to get where I am today.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I’m extremely grateful every single day to have been born in the USA. We live in a free country where it is stupid easy to start a business. You’ve just gotta have the ambition and dedication and be relentless. I am so incredibly lucky to have been taught by my wonderful mother and grandmother that cooking is love.
I’m incredibly blessed to have, hands down, the most supportive amazing dad in the entire world, who is always by my side 100%.
I don’t know how it happened, but as luck would have it, my dear friend Christy that I’ve known for years has now gotten involved in the business, and she’s been invaluable. I am blessed to have many friends near and far that support me daily in so many ways. I’m so incredibly grateful.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 602-513-6149
- Email: cateringbycarly01@gmail.com
- Instagram: Cateringbycarly
- Facebook: @carlycaters
Image Credit:
Gerhard n Engelbrecht
Suggest a story: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
