Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Smith.
Hi Amanda, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Eating has always been a struggle for me. I grew up with A LOT of food allergies, which made eating out extremely challenging. As I grew into adulthood, I outgrew some of my allergies, but the more severe ones stayed with me.
When I say severe, I mean if consumed, I could go into anaphylaxis, have to use my EpiPen and be rushed to the hospital. All nuts, especially peanuts, are at the top of the list, with soy coming in as a close second. I had to get allergy tested every year and remember having to sit in the office for over an hour after they tested me for peanuts and soy, for the staff to observe my reaction(s), administer meds, and determine if my reaction was severe enough for me to have to go to the hospital.
I have always had a love for the kitchen. Growing up, I was always in the kitchen helping my mom prepare for various guests and dinners. She also taught me different food substitutions so I wouldn’t feel too left out. As I went off to college and encountered new friends, I didn’t realize that so many shared in my struggle. I knew there had to be a better way…but how?? Even if I was successful in avoiding nuts, soy is in almost everything. I got tired. Tired of researching restaurants, their menus, and ingredient lists. Tired of turning down invitations. Tired of “enjoying” myself, only to end up miserable and having to take medication and flush my system.
My love for cooking, baking, and hosting others as a child (with my mom), carried over into adulthood. There were many times people would say things like, “You really should consider starting a business”, or, “You have a knack for making certain foods taste amazing”. So in 2016, after having my 2nd child, I decided to just go for it and that’s when Make it Mandy Catering, LLC was born. But I wanted people to know that this wasn’t just another business in the food industry. Make it Mandy specializes in serving those with dietary restrictions, by offering a variety of savory and sweet foods, while not sacrificing taste. These include items that can be made gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and plant-based.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
HA! I don’t think that easy and entrepreneurship can co-exist. Getting started and making sure you have all your “ducks in a row” when it comes to the business side of things, is a never-ending learning experience.
As a small business, in an industry that can be considered over-saturated, I’d have to say that one of my biggest challenges I’ve had to overcome is time management and being able to differentiate what/who needs to my attention. As someone who wears many hats (healthcare worker, wife, mother, and entrepreneur-just to name a few) this was something i had to learn fairly quickly. There are so many arms to entrepreneurship but managing your time appropriately makes it much more enjoyable.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a healthcare worker who ventured out into the world of entrepreneurship and started a business that specializes in providing food (both savory and sweet dishes) to those with dietary restrictions. Not only is this a passion of mine but it’s an area that I can personally empathize with, as I am someone who lives with dietary restrictions on a day-to-day basis.
Nothing brings a smile to my face more than a parent reaching out to me, to make a special dish or dessert for their child and them not having to worry about a potential reaction from my food. I also love being challenged by my customers who bring their ideas and ask me to put my special spin on it.
I would have to say that I’m most known for my homemade apple butter, chocolate cupcakes with chocolate frosting and dairy-free mac and cheese.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
There are many ways you collaborate and support Make it Mandy Catering.
These include following and engaging with me on social media, recommending me to family/friends and other businesses, signing up for my email list (I promise I won’t bombard you or spam you!), purchasing from me (locally and through my online store) and you can even donate towards my business and it’s growth. If you own a business, consider collaborating with me to have my products in your stores and restaurants. I can customize menus and edible gifts as thank gifts for clients, party favors, and corporate events. The potential and possibilities are endless!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.makeitmandy.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/makeitmandy
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/makeitmandy
Image Credits
Shon Curtis
