Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Smith.
Hi Amber, 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.
My culinary journey all started right here in my hometown of Dayton, Ohio. The flavors, the traditions, and the rich cultural tapestry of Soul Food and American cuisine were all an integral part of my upbringing. These were the dishes that warmed my family’s hearts and connected us to our heritage. As I honed my culinary skills and explored the possibilities, I realized that I wanted to share these heartfelt flavors with a broader audience. It wasn’t just about the food; it was about creating an experience that could bridge the gap between the past and the present, one bite at a time.
And that’s when I decided to create Passion to the Plate. This journey wasn’t just about me; it was about sharing the love and the incredible flavors that defined my culture with the amazing people of Dayton. It was about creating culinary experiences that celebrated our community’s diversity by offering delicious soul food and inventive desserts in a personal and unique way.
But I knew that to turn this dream into a reality; I needed more than just a passion for cooking. I had to put in the hours, developing a solid business plan that explored a range of opportunities. It wasn’t just about serving up personal chef experiences or catering; I wanted to extend my offerings to include custom blended seasonings, premium cutlery, and cookbooks. These products were my way of sharing a piece of my culinary heritage and making an even broader impact.
Throughout the process of starting a new business, I’ve made sure I stayed dedicated to my dream. Each step of this journey is a piece of my heart and soul, and I’m thrilled to see how Passion to the Plate is growing as I continue to share my food with the people of Dayton and beyond. This business is my way of sharing the love, flavors, and traditions that have been passed down through generations, and I’m excited to take everyone on this culinary journey with me.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s been anything but a smooth road, to be honest. Life has a way of throwing both personal and professional challenges at us, and my journey with Passion to the Plate was no exception.
One of the most significant personal challenges I faced was my diagnosis with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in August of 2019, right as the business was starting to take off. MS is a life-altering condition that can bring about uncertainty and new obstacles, but it’s also a testament to resilience. I’ve had to learn to manage my health while pursuing my dreams. That’s a journey in itself.
And then, there was the struggle of starting a small business at the onset of the pandemic. The timing couldn’t have been more challenging. The pandemic brought a wave of uncertainty and unexpected hurdles. It was a time when people were cautious about dining out or hosting events, and this was a big blow to a business that relied on personal chef experiences and catering.
But I believe that challenges, no matter how tough, can often be a source of inspiration and innovation. It forced me to think outside the box. The pandemic encouraged us to explore new avenues, like offering our custom blended seasonings and high-quality cutlery to home chefs, a pivot that turned out to be a lifeline for the business during those trying times.
So, yes, it’s been a journey filled with obstacles, but it’s those very challenges that have shaped Passion to the Plate and made it more resilient. It’s a reminder that determination and a love for what you do can help you overcome even the toughest of times.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Our unique recipes are the heart and soul of Passion to the Plate. They reflect a fusion of tradition and innovation, much like the rest of our menu. Our approach is to take classic American and Soul Food recipes and infuse them with influences from my travels to countries like Zanzibar, Tanzania, Colombia, Amsterdam, and Dubai. Now, let’s talk about our standout desserts. The Mini Banana Pudding Pies and Sweet Potato Poundcake are client favorites. These creations are not just about taste; they’re an experience. The Mini Banana Pudding Pies offer all the sweet nostalgia of traditional banana pudding but in a bite-sized, portable form. It’s the perfect blend of ripe bananas, velvety pudding, and buttery graham cracker crust.
Our Sweet Potato Poundcake is another gem. It’s a moist, decadent cake that captures the essence of sweet potatoes, infused with a spice blend inspired by international flavors. It’s a delightful blend of traditions and innovations that set it apart.
What sets us apart is the fusion of these diverse flavors and the heartfelt passion that goes into every dish, especially these desserts. Clients appreciate that they can savor familiar favorites with a unique twist. Our culinary style is a celebration of diversity, not only in the dishes but also in the influences that shape them. These recipes, along with our entire menu, are a reminder that food transcends borders and connects us in the most delightful ways.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Consistency and perseverance are, without a doubt, at the core of my journey with Passion to the Plate. In the culinary world, and especially in the context of running a small business, these qualities are indispensable. Consistency means that every dish I serve, whether it’s a classic like fried chicken or one of our unique desserts, is of the highest quality every single time. It’s about maintaining the standard I’ve set for myself and never compromising on the flavors and experiences I promise my clients. That’s what keeps them coming back, knowing they can rely on me to deliver exceptional dishes consistently.
Perseverance, on the other hand, has been the driving force behind overcoming obstacles, especially during challenging times like the pandemic. It’s the determination to adapt, to find new ways to reach clients and to keep pushing forward even when things seem tough. It’s about having the resilience to learn from the setbacks and continue on the path I’ve set for myself.
These qualities have not only been instrumental in my own success but also in building a brand that clients can trust. They know that when it comes to Passion to the Plate, they’re getting a consistent experience filled with delicious food, heartfelt passion, and a celebration of diverse flavors. It’s these characteristics that have propelled my journey and continue to drive my success.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.passiontotheplate.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/your.m.s.chef/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/passiontotheplate
- Other: TikTok: @passiontotheplate
Image Credits
Amber Smith
Juan Gooden
