Meet DaShonda Smith of Ohio

Today we’d like to introduce you to DaShonda Smith.

Hi DaShonda, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Growing up I was the child who loved watching the food network channel with my grandma. I always looked forward to the holidays so I could be in the kitchen with my mother and grandmother trying to offer my help while watching them make dozens of dishes in so little time. It was so exciting and the best feeling ever just to be under them. For Christmas my parents started buying me items like an easy bake oven and more and from that moment on I was unstoppable. As time went on I used to love participating in bake sales for my church and school. That is what started me off and brought me to where I am today. During Covid having so much time off I started just cooking different new recipes and posting about them. And once my friends caught on to the wave that I could cook and bake really great the requests started coming in for personalized dishes. As time went on I started selling small meals from home just to keep busy while the outside world was shut down. Once the world started opening back up I was talked into turning my passion and love for cooking into a full time business and over the years God has blessed it to grow into a constantly booked and busy catering company called Dishes By DaShonda. Now I am able to offer full party packages with full buffets, decorations, and dessert tables. I can now offer meal preps and freshly pressed juices for those with busier lifestyles that would still enjoy those home cooked meals but way healthier fulfilling dishes versus takeout or freezer items. And also being able to still offer flash sales and daily menus to my loyal day one supporters.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Along this journey over the years, I’ve been told the first 5 years in business can make or break you. And boy have I have endured more times of breaking and pressing than sunshine and rainbows. I’ve spent plenty of nights crying wondering if I was going to make it. Praying to God to keep my head above water. A lot of outsiders looking in might see an entrepreneur post one day saying they are completely sold out and think “WOW they are making so much money” when in reality that might of been the only day in an entire month that actually made profit. Over the years it’s been hard just having faith and believing that God will continue to send clientele my way and open up many more doors for me. But it’s also been an amazing learning experience every step of the way. I always have my ups and my downs and I thank God for every single chapter of this story.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Dishes By DaShonda is a small catering company ran by my family and I. My business offers a wide range of packages under the business. We offer a very wide range of food from our fan favorite soul food dishes to our Puerto Rican style dishes down to all our bakery items. We provide catering for small and large events. We offer travel catering and private chef packages. As well as party decor packages to take the stress away from our clients and provide them with the best days ever. Some of the our best dishes that our DBD Fam craves weekly are our Hot Honey Catfish and Birria Tacos. They also love our banana pudding and variety of cakes we release weekly. I believe what sets us apart from everyone else around in the same industry is I don’t always do everything for a profit but I do it for the love of food. I am blessed to be able to offer givebacks to our community and the less fortunate year round. I don’t brag or boost about a lot of the begging the scenes but by the Grace of God I’ve been able to feed the homeless for the last 5 years. I’ve found a lovely group home that I enjoy surprising randomly with warm cooked meals. Some aren’t as fortunate to get a home cooked meal all the time. So as God continues to bless me I want to continue to bless others and be that one set apart from the rest that’s doing this just for the love of money and not for the heart of our community.

How do you think about happiness?
Family and friends make me happy. Being able to put a smile on everyone’s faces through their stomachs from the adults down to the babies make my world go round. And when I say family, I mean my DBD FAM as well. That is the nickname given to my customers and supporters who have grown to be viewed as family. To be able to bless others is when I’m the happiest.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Dishes By DaShonda
• Facebook: Dishes By DaShonda