Today we’d like to introduce you to Ramaj “Lola” Young.
Ramaj, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Ramaj Young. I’m from Minneapolis Minnesota and I’m a young creative focused on fighting food insecurity and changing the way people that look like me view food production.
I own Young Honey PC, a health and wellness private catering company that sources local ingredients and sustainable food practices to deliver wholesome food adventures. I just relocated to south Florida to expand my business and spread the word about what I’m doing.
I moved to Florida because I wanted to work for Brandon Marshall in Weston at a fitness facility called House of Athlete where they prioritize mental health and wealth for young black fitness professionals and I have always wanted to be a part of it all.
I did some networking and ended up getting in contact with the chef at the facility and was able to lock in a job cooking for the athletes training for the 2022 NFL combines. I got to meet with Brandon and tell him my story. Even though the combines are over I still visit the gym once a week to speak to people about my Injury Prevention meal prep programs.
I’ve been in SoFlo since august and it has been amazing and full of opportunities. I’ve learned a lot and have been applying everything to make my dreams come true. I’ve been cooking in restaurants for 10 years, I’ve worked in many different kitchens, from dive bars to catering companies to being a personal chef and now I’m in Miami!
I’m eager to soak in everything it has to offer.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Haha, it hasn’t been smooth.
My culinary career has taken many turns and has taken a lot of me, blood sweat, and tears. Literally. It’s so beautiful. I’ve done a lot of shape-shifting to make my desired impact. I’ve experienced things like my sous chef kissing me without my permission to not making the cut for Gordon Ramsay’s Hells Kitchen.
Male chefs have thrown me out of kitchens when I check them for better food service. I’ve worked with chefs that are intimidated by my passion for food. As for having my own business, I’ve endured the challenges that have come with that and have been able to make a profit for 2 years now.
I’ve worked shifts for 24 hours, I’ve moved across the country where not a single person knows me or my business, enduring loneliness, the feelings of inadequacy and still pushing through.
It’s been extremely tough in Miami finding work, no one knows me so I have to prove myself all of the time. the cost of living is almost unbearable but I’ve been pulling through! I’m so grateful, I’m so proud of myself for believing in myself and making my dreams come true.
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?
Young honey PC is a health and wellness personal catering company providing wholesome and delicious food experiences. We do intimate events, in-home catering, and meal prep for injury prevention for fitness professionals. We source local and organic ingredients and approach food holistically and sustainably.
At YHPC I specialize in catering flavorful meals accommodating to people’s dietary restrictions. Learning about nutrition and plant medicine has helped me so much in my own life, I strive to empower people through my cooking and influence them to cook and eat with the intention of good health.
I’m proud of myself and my business because many food businesses don’t get to see food the way I do and what it does for humanity. They don’t get to focus on the things about food that I do. I get to give people food experiences they’ll never forget.
Now that I’m here in Miami, I’m excited to reach more people about the wonders of food and collaborate with other creatives and chefs. I want to create projects and throw dinner social parties that change the world over food.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My favorite childhood memories are of the times when I was in elementary, being outside and playing with the plants and the puddles making dirt soups and mud pies.
I would make green juice with the grass and use the wildflowers for garnish.
Contact Info:
- Website: Younghoneypc.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/younghoneypc
- Facebook: www.Facebook.com/YoungHoneyPC-Private ChefRamajYoung
Image Credits
Imani Mansfeild
