Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Rochester.
Michelle, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My grandfather and I used to be very close. Until one day, I got a phone call that he got into an accident and was in the hospital in a coma. Three days later, we lost him. I was devastated, I couldn’t possibly imagine my life without him. I started thinking of all the positive things that came out of him being in my life. He always told me to put myself first and focus on something I really want to do. With encouragement from my cousin, who said I should start selling food, I became an entrepreneur. My grandfather’s birthday arrived and I spent it alone without him. That’s when I found the courage and I went for it! I started my own catering company. I named it after myself. The MNR from MNR Catering stands for Michelle Nicole Rochester (my name). I got to where I am today by being persistent, having patience, learning to trust others to help me, determination and of course, FAITH.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it has not been a smooth road. One of the challenges I faced was; learning to accept I will not receive help all the time from those I expect it from. I realized becoming an entrepreneur, I couldn’t count on many I called family or friends. It was an adjustment because I started a business with no prior knowledge. There would be times I would need help in the kitchen prepping, cooking, cleaning, delivering food, etc. and no one was available to help. Another challenge I faced was not being prepared with having financial stability, not having any guidance when running your own business means you won’t know what lies ahead of you. Having capital is important when you want to grow your business, many of us including myself don’t have a pool of money to cushion on.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about MNR Catering?
MNR Catering is a catering company that specializes in authentic Caribbean and international cuisine. We offer both full-service and regular catering. We cater for all size events, with no limitations. What sets us apart from the rest is style, creativity, our customer service and our homemade recipes. I am proud of the growth of my business, I watched it grow from nothing to something. We offer a variety of ranges that include appetizers, brunches, buffet stations, charcuterie spreads, tropical drinks and desserts.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I learned on my journey is NEVER give up and have faith. When the time is right, everything will fall into place accordingly.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mnrcatering.ca
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/mnrcatering?igshid=ZWQyN2ExYTkwZQ==
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mnrcatering/
Image Credits
– Jennifer Conley Images – Truly Elevated Agency – The Knemesis
