We recently had the chance to connect with Melinda Marquez and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Melinda , it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day consists of me waking up and making sure my kids are getting for school and letting my dogs outside.
After that is out of the way I usually read and write in my prayer journal. I try to set the tone for my day before letting anyone else dictate how it may go.
After all of that I get into emails and any orders I need to create.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Mindy and I am Mindy’s Catering. I create healthy meals for individuals based on their diet/nutrition needs.
All of my meals are catered to each individual and even though it is healthy I strive to make each meal soulful. I want everyone that eats my food to have a home cooked experience. Being healthy does not mean your food should be bland. You should be happy and excited for your meal and that is what Mindy’s Catering strives for.
I am constantly learning and trying different cuisines in order to cater EVERYONE. I want the world to experience what Mindy’s has to offer. My ultimate goal is to create a cookbook with all of my favorite recipes from around the world.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was when I competed in my first cooking competition. I competed in a Chili Cook-Off for my company and I really felt like I would not win because I really didn’t have a Chili recipe and was winging it. When I won first place I was in shock! I thought to myself “Wow Girl! You really can compete with some of the OG’s” After that, I was signing up for cook offs all over North Carolina. Once I started stacking trophies I knew I was a force.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
My biggest fear has always been failure. It would hold me back because I wouldn’t even try. I was so scared of falling and having to get back up and try all over again. Once I let go of that fear I learned my capabilities and strength. I realized I am a very resilient individual. If I was secure with myself earlier in life I believe my success would’ve started sooner rather than later.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say my children matters the most to me.
I live everyday to make their life easier. I never want them to face the obstacles and hurdles I have. If it wasn’t for them I don’t think I would’ve made it this far in my life. Every choice I’ve made in my life I considered them and their future. If it wasn’t for them I don’t think I would’ve pushed myself as hard.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I am living MY dream. I am so fortunate to be able so. I have always loved cooking even at a young age. I remember coming home from school and cooking because my mom worked two jobs and would be tired. Once I started learning how to season and master my cooking it would bring me so much joy to see other’s enjoy my meals.
My motto is “I live to eat” I believe food tells a story through taste and texture that a book and painting never could. To be able to tell a story with a meal is a very powerful thing.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Mindys_catering
Image Credits
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