Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Trammell
Hi Kayla, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Cooking has always been a deep passion of mine. There is nothing more fulfilling than seeing the joy on people’s faces as they savor my dishes. The appreciation for the food I create brings me immense satisfaction and pride. My cooking journey began with the guidance of my mother, Kimberly Trammell, my late grandmother, Dorothy Singletary, and my late aunt, Idotha ‘Bootsie’ Neal. From them, I learned not only the fundamentals of cooking but also the importance of love and care in every meal. Over time, I have made some of their cherished recipes into my own, adding a personal touch while honoring their legacy.
During the COVID pandemic, I began experimenting with new dishes for my family to enjoy, as dining out was no longer an option. I started capturing photos of my creations and sharing my dreams with my late aunt about one day opening a restaurant or lounge. I would focus on refining my presentation, perfecting my seasoning techniques, and carefully selecting the right ingredients while eliminating those that may not enhance the dish. I even started working for a hotel in 2018 as a bartender, working their banquets and later, started catering and decorating for their large events.
About two years ago, I had the opportunity to work for one of my closest friends at her storefront, Vegan It IZ Eats, located in Dayton’s 2nd Street Market. This experience was transformative—it allowed me to learn valuable skills, deepen my passion for cooking, and affirmed my dream of becoming an entrepreneur. The joy of preparing food for others and seeing their appreciation further solidified my commitment to this journey.”
I transitioned from a career in Human Resources to pursuing my passion for cooking full time, making a significant career change into catering and becoming an entrepreneur. Guided by faith, I took a leap and embraced this calling, which has profoundly transformed my life for the better and has connected me with some new people. On August 19, 2022, I formally applied for my LLC, officially launching my catering business, Lavada’s Food & Catering. The name “Lavada” honors my late great-grandmother, Lavada Trammell, after whom I was named, with Lavada serving as my middle name. My business was officially registered on September 9, 2022, a date of profound significance, as it coincides with the birthday of my late aunt, Idotha “Bootsie” Neal. I took this as a meaningful sign, affirming my journey and the path I was meant to follow. My first official event was catering my best friend’s housewarming, a milestone that solidified my commitment to this new chapter.
Now, two years later, Lavada’s Food & Catering has grown into a thriving Black woman-owned catering business based in Dayton, Ohio. We are proud to serve as a vendor for Dayton Public Schools and hold contracts with esteemed organizations such as Parity, Black Leadership Inc., Preschool Promise, Omega Baptist Church, and Greater Dayton Realtist, among others. Our catering services extend to weddings, birthday celebrations, homegoing events, festivals, community centers, and private home settings for brunches and dinners.
In addition to event catering, we specialize in helping clients with weekly meal preparation through our meal prep services. Our soul food offerings, such as lamb chops, macaroni and cheese, burrito bar and the signature Lavada’s Sunshine Lemonade, have become customer favorites. It has been an incredible journey to grow and share my passion for cooking with the community.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The most challenging adjustment for Lavada’s Food & Catering in the beginning was stepping out on faith, putting my business out into the world, and embracing the transition to full-time catering. This journey would not have been possible without the incredible support system of my family and close friends. They have been there every step of the way—helping with event setup and breakdown, contributing ideas, purchasing food and supplies, showing up to events, and even praying over my business.
Today, I am also deeply inspired by the growing support from new customers, whose encouragement reaffirms my decision to take this leap of faith.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Lavada’s Food & Catering ?
Lavada’s Food & Catering LLC, was started as of September 9, 2022, in Dayton Ohio as a full servicing catering business. Lavada’s provides catering options for weddings, birthday celebrations, homegoing events, festivals, community centers, and private home settings for brunches and dinners. In addition to event catering, we specialize in helping clients with weekly meal preparation through our meal prep services. As well as, we offer box lunches for luncheons. Our soul food offerings, such as lamb chops, macaroni and cheese, burrito bar and Lavada’s Sunshine Lemonade, have become customer favorites.
I believe what sets Lavada’s Food & Catering apart is the warmth and comfort our dishes bring—reminiscent of a grandmother’s home cooking. I take pride in meeting the unique needs of my clients and customers, tailoring each event to their specific preferences. My goal is to bring joy and connection through every bite.
I would like readers to know that, “Food, to me, is a love language, and I wholeheartedly believe that everyone connects through it. I pour that same love and care into every dish, ensuring that it not only satisfies but also uplifts and brings happiness.”
What were you like growing up?
I have always been an outgoing and creative individual with a deep appreciation for the arts. Growing up, I attended Stivers School for the Arts in Dayton, Ohio, where I found a space to express myself freely and creatively through dance. My passion for dance spanned over 20 years, continuing into my college years. I truly believe the arts have profoundly shaped my life, inspiring the creativity that I now channel into my culinary creations.
As an only child, I was fortunate to have the unwavering support of my mother, father, and late aunt. They encouraged me to explore my interests and embrace my authentic self, whether through my clothing, hair, personality, or endeavors. Their support allowed me the freedom to try anything I set my mind to and has been instrumental in shaping who I am today.
Pricing:
- Customized to the customers needs
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Lavadas_catering
- Facebook: Lavada’s Food & Catering
- Other: Lavadasfoodcatering@gmail.com
