Today we’d like to introduce you to Noni Williams.
Hi Noni, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
From a young age I would sit on a stool in my grandmother’s kitchen and watch her cook up a storm, from farm to table and ALL FROM SCRATCH!! I moved to Florida at the age of 19 on my own, no family and essentially no friends, I knew all of 3 people. I had NO idea what I was going to do or what I wanted to do with my life. As time went on and many trials and tribulations, I realized that when I cooked I was at peace and healing meal by meal. When I saw others enjoying what I had put my time, effort and heart into, I knew what I wanted to do with my life…I never wanted to ever see a person go hungry and I wanted them to find the same peace and healing I had found, one meal at a time. You see I realized that when people have good food to eat, they relax and open up and speak about things that they normally wouldn’t, and that’s when the healing begins….
In early 2015 preteen and teen suicide rates were skyrocketing, depression running rampant among our youth, so I decided to start Ms. Noni’s Kitchen LLC and offer AFFORDABLE service(s) of personal chef and meal prep. My thought process behind that idea was, if I can get families BACK to the table then maybe I can help make even a small dent in what was happening to our youth. There is a bond that is created when families come to the table to share a meal prepared with love and it would give parent(s) time to sit down and RE-establish their family unit.
Through my meals, I strive to feed the body, spirit and soul and RE-affirm the TRUE meaning of “family ties”. Cooking is not a hobby for me, but a God given gift that I eat, sleep, and breathe DAILY! The kitchen is my healing place, my prayer closet.
If you ever want really to get to know a person, break bread with them over a good meal and wait for the flood gates to open hunni!
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?
Because I had suffered from depression myself, there were times I wanted to just throw in the towel and give up due to lack of business or some people just not liking my food BUT I kept God first and kept pushing and I had to remind myself that quitting is NEVER an option. I’m a fighter and survivor and although I may not be for everybody, I am for those that I need to be and that’s good enough for me.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
What do I do? Hmmm. Well I take food requests from my friends, family etc. and I put my own twist on it to make my own. I specialize in FEEDING FOLKS and putting a smile on their face.
I am most proud of breaking the mold and not letting my past define or defeat me. And becoming a published author!!
Known for? Despite what is going on, I ALWAYS keep a positive attitude, keeping God first and SMILING!
What sets me apart is that I have a genuine heart to serve, it’s not about nor has it ever been about money but about serving God’s people.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Whatever you do, DON’T GIVE UP!!!! Keep God first and a pure heart. Be honest, integral, polite, friendly, and always keep an open mind. Learn to take criticism both good and bad, keep what you need and discard the rest, do not let negativity set up shop in your mind or heart. And remember; there is NOTHING that you cannot do but always have patience and trust the process.
I wish I knew that the people I called friend would be the main ones to NOT support me. That was a valuable lesson learned and very eye opening but don’t let that discourage you or blur your vision for your vision.
I want to leave you with the two small yet powerful talks that I have with myself daily that are posted on my bathroom mirror, these keep me focused and grounded.
Daily Pep talk
I was perfectly made by God, nothing missing, nothing lacking, nothing broken, and nothing lost.
I am His BEST creation, God’s COMPLETE thought.
I live my life to display the power of God. I am not easily broken. I bounce back quickly. I am an example to others in all that I do, therefore I do it well. I don’t settle for anything less than I deserve!
Workout regimen for a BETTER YOU!!
Fast and Pray
Praise and Worship
Practice DAILY positive confessions
Focus on having healthy interactions
Devote time to God (Bible study)
Be a consistent, positive seed sower (financially, emotionally, and mentally)
Contact Info:
- Email: ms.noniskitchen@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/msnoniskitchen
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonisofficial
