Today we’d like to introduce you to Kia Denise.
Hi Kia, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started out in the fashion industry as a stylist and fashion blogger. My Blog was very popular (Frommystyle2urs.com) That’s where I met most of my connections.
And how I grew my following. On top of being a stylist and fashion blogger, I also worked a 9-5. The hours on set were strenuous and exhausting. After having my first son, I knew that I would be leaving styling alone; to be home with him more. I began to cook more once he was old enough to eat. I’ve always loved to cook. I grew up watching The Food Network everyday. All of the kids would be outside playing, and I’d be right in front of the TV watching Bobby Flay lol Once I really got into the swing of cooking, I would share the videos on my Insta Story. It was just my way of staying in touch with my followers and interacting with them. The videos became so popular that people began to ask me to teach them how to cook. Once I found out that I was pregnant with my second son, I knew that I no longer wanted to work my 9-5. So, I figured that I would start teaching cooking classes! Trap and Cook Vibes.
When I’m in the kitchen, I love good music, good wine, and great food. So it was a must my classes represent my style of cooking! The classes were a hit! It wasn’t until a friend of mine by the name of Moi Sheriff reached out to me to cater a retreat she was putting together. The retreat was for Milano Di Rouge. The Womanaire Retreat, hosted in Arizona. It was my very first time catering, and I had no clue as to what I was doing but gave it a shot anyway because I never back down to a challenge (I’m crazy, I know lol). Everyone at the retreat absolutely loved my food! It was then that I knew I wanted to cook full-time! I started booking catering jobs left and right! And it’s been up ever since!
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?
Whew, chile! This journey has surely had its ups and downs. It wouldn’t be a journey if it didn’t! I’ve hired, and fired staff, cried nights when a gig would go wrong, and stressed myself out to the max. I was always told that you have to make sacrifices when becoming an entrepreneur, and that was the God’s honest truth.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in Catering, Private, and Traveling Chef Services. I am most known for my beautiful presentations and plating of food. I am most proud of how far I’ve come. To be self-taught in the type of industry that I’m in is not an easy thing. But this is what I love to do, and I don’t plan on going anywhere. The thing that sets me apart from other cooks and chefs is my style of cooking and presenting. I’ve always loved art, food, and fashion. So I implement those things into my food. When you see my brunch spread, you know that’s me; without even seeing my name attached to it.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I always love working with other creatives such as myself! I can be contacted via email. Contact@kiadenise.com Instagram: @kiadenise
Contact Info:
- Email: contact@kiadenise.com
- Website: www.kiadenise.com
- Instagram: kiadenise
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/kiadenise
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/kiadenise
Image Credits:
The first photo with the pink bandana was shot by Ricky Codio.
