Today we’d like to introduce you to Markia Garrick
Hi Markia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
As a kid I always been a high drive, independent, open minded young lady. It all started because Publix didn’t want to give me shot in their bakery department. I was so eager to learn and slicing bread and closing the department wasn’t enough for me. They promised me they would provide me with the necessary tools to learn to cake deco, properly ice cakes, and etc but that had never happened. I was hungry to learn so I started to make items at night and discard them just to get the practice in. I had the concept, I understood the task and I just wasn’t sure on why I couldn’t become a cake decorator myself. After watching them hire in and me continually looked over I decided I wanted to do my own thing from home.
I started Making cake Jar’s and eventually moved on to cake slices, cupcakes whatever my clients were eager for I made it and sold from my car delivering to address that were provided to me or by simply posting in front of establishments where I was allowed. I eventually branched off and I wanted to make full course meals. My first dish I sold was ” Cajun pasta” going for $12 a plate, I delivered and I also allowed trustworthy to pick up from home. since I was still living with my father I had to make arrangements around his work schedule. My clientele quickly expanded as I Incorporated more dishes and sweets serving as a bundle and this is where I ran into a huge problem.
My father came home to line outside and he dismissed everyone, he was so upset with me he came inside and threw away everything I had causing me not only to be embarrassed, but the first time I ever lost out on something I worked so hard for. I made social media that day, everyone clowned me and talked about how my father was just so mean.
I grew a passion for food, I loved to watch people enjoy the sweets, main courses and drinks I provided, From that day I was not allowed to sale from my fathers house. I took a break but I was still eager on how to get back out their so I started sneaking. I would wake up at 6am cook My father breakfast and prepare myself to get ready for the day. as soon as the door closed, the oven and pot’s were shaking. I Would pack up and take everything out for delivery , make sure everything was squeaky clean ( he was known for pulling out the stove , searching for crumbs ). and I would hide my cooler until next day.
I Got to point I was tired of sneaking, I started to express my passion for food to my father and he just seen no hope in it. I’ve always prepared for my father and and catered to him just like I would do for an client. eventually I branched out moving into my own place in 2020.
I Did everything I could possibly do, exercising my skills, adding my dishes, I took off like a rocket. I was able to support my financial , myself, my place , and even have something left over just by believing in myself. I still packed out my trunk, made delivery’s and even started to get bookings for events like weeding’s, baby showers, anniversary’s and more.
I found my passion/my calling and I fell in love with food. still my father had no faith.
same year Dec 26th 2020 I found out I was pregnant, I decided to go back to work and sale food on the weekend’s.
I worked my entire pregnancy, and I was up and rolling 2 weeks after C-section because the bills don’t stop.
I fell into postpartum depression and lost everything 2021-2022 down to my place. I had to move in with a friend, lost so many clients, and I was not able to achieve my final goal of owning that shop.
still to this day I get out their to sale, But I don’t have the finance like I use to, hungry for resources, BUT I try and I can’t wait until I have that store front with my name on it. “KIA SOULS CATERING”. “WHERE EVERYTHING IS TENDA BABY”
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?
My journey has not been a smooth road.
Lack of support, Big dip into finance and being a single mother does not make it any better.
We’ve been impressed with KIA SOULS CATERING , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
KIA SOULS CATERING ; Solo Partnered Catering business that offers a wide range of foods. We not only have good eats’ , We come with the energy to serve each and everyone. I am a natural born foodie myself and I don’t mind incorporating different parts of the world. You’re more than welcome to order fresh bake goods, from pies, cakes and more. All the way down to soul food, island food and Amazing appetizers.
“Where everything is tender baby” is slogan I will stand by with my head held high. and i can’t wait to be able to serve the world good eats’ and sweets. they would never be able to unbig their back.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Advice I have for networking in general is do not be afraid. every business owner doesn’t come in suit in tie, some of us would love to still be able to stretch out our true character. Branch out, Be you and always remember it all starts with a Dream. If you can afford a marketing team go for it, but until pass those business cards, create social media pages, and be you’re loudest voice.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kthe_hiddengem/profilecard/?igsh=ZjdwN3hkOXBqODVp
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@kiathefoodbully?_t=8qn4WS3Srtq&_r=1
Image Credits
MARKIA S GARRICK
