Today we’d like to introduce you to Tamarra Williams
Hi Tamarra, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Sure, I’d love to share!
Well, I was born in Minnesota but raised in Chicago, IL. From an early age, my mom instilled in me a unique way of looking at life, always pushing me to see things differently from my peers. When I was 15, she made sure I had time away from friends, giving me a hula hoop, skates, and a jump rope. She told me, “You have to learn to love your own company and explore who you are and who you want to be when no one else is around.” Without my father around to guide me, I would early on learned that life would be different as I navigated it. However, with my mother’s wisdom and the time I spent alone, it helped me tap into my gifts and talents, which shaped me into a self-reliant and introspective person.
[Early Entrepreneurial Spirit]
When I was 18, while most of my peers were focused on typical teenage activities, I took my first step into entrepreneurship when a childhood friend introduced me to the business world. After learning the ins and outs, I wanted to get involved, so I decided to start a social scene marketing group, realizing how much potential I could leverage. Without much idea of how far it would go, I began interviewing young women outside my mom’s apartment to form a team that would promote high-society social life. It took off fast. With eight women on board and access to some of the city’s hottest events, we quickly became the talk of the town, rubbing shoulders with celebrities and entering upscale venues. That’s when I realized I had a real passion for business. That first experience in marketing and social networking built the foundation for everything that came after.
[A Leap of Faith: Moving to California]
In early 2019, I had a divine calling to move to California. Trusting in God’s plan, I made the bold decision to go, even though I had no idea what would come next and little instructions. That leap of faith ended up being a major turning point in my life. Once I got to California, I started working with influential people, using my skills and positive energy to help them manage and grow their businesses and accounts.
I continue in expanding myself while working as a Consultant at LinkedIn, soaking up everything I could about the field, all while managing my own business. My typical day looked like this: from 6am to 3pm, I worked at LinkedIn, and during lunch breaks, I would take orders for my business or be in meeting with my business clients. After 3pm, I focused on running my business until 5pm, afterwards attend to my clients remotely with their own ventures. This chapter allowed me to combine all the skills I had gained over the years, sharpening my talents and abilities even further.
[Entrepreneurial Spirit: Launching a Private Chef Business]
With my love for cooking and a desire to make a real impact, I launched my own private chef business. My culinary talents, combined with my keen business acumen, allowed me to build a successful venture in Santa Barbara. It was rumored that I became known not only for my delicious and thoughtfully prepared meals but also for my warm and caring demeanor.
[A Testament to Faith and Resilience]
My journey is proof of what faith, resilience, and hard work can do but it was not always like that! From experiencing homelessness to becoming a tested entrepreneur, and being a sound advisor to others navigating their multi talents, I’ve seen transformation firsthand. My faith in God and commitment to my goals and purpose have always kept me going, and now, I use my experiences to inspire and uplift those around me.
So remember, everyday you are fully responsible in believing something great about yourself, even if everyday does not feel or look like it, don’t forget…
You are fully equipped to be as GIGANTIC and impactful as you want to in this world. So, take up space and remember no one can stop you from being great because it’s define by your belief system, so believe in yourself!
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?
Facing Adversity: Homelessness and Determination
In Chicago 2018, at the age of 29, I faced an unexpected and challenging situation: homelessness (sound effect: dun dun dun!) Despite the hardships, I remained steadfast in my faith because God tells us that He would never leave us nor forsake us. During this difficult period I was sleeping in my car, on friend’s couches, and budgeting $100 to even $20 a month all the while fully knowing that my circumstances would change eventually. I recall days where I could not afford a $30 meal at a restaurant and had to find ways to navigate that around friends.
One December night, in the freezing cold, when I had to sleep in my car downtown Chicago I parked in the Walgreens lot because it felt safer, and I’d blast the heat for an hour, trying to conserve gas since no one I knew could take me in. I even asked the security guard to watch over my car while I slept for a bit. By God’s grace, that would be my last night sleeping in my car!
So no, it was not easy but I learned CHARACTER and remained grateful for protection and provision during that time.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Cali Vegan Food was birth through community and a desire to allow people to enjoy plant based food in a cultural way. At Cali Vegan Food I am head chef and I am known for my bold blended flavors and revised popular dishes veganize such as our Soul Platter: Vegan CatFish, Kale Green, Candied ed Yam, Crusted Mac+Cheese, and Fresh Cranberry sauce.
What sets me apart from others is I provided 3 services and provide tailor experience for your budget allowing you to enjoy the home chef experience.
I am most proud of how Cali Vegan Food played a significant role in transforming the eating habits and lifestyles of many customers.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Risk can be perceived as one of the scariest and even loneliest occurrence in one’s life, but it can also be one of the bravest thing one does and can be so worth while if one takes the chance to see themselves in the unknown of a choice outside the will of what they are trying to decide the outcome to be. EVERYONE IS A RISK TAKER whether they want to subscribe to that belief or not.
We all wake up taking risk, some are just more routine than others. The most beautiful experience I say person could ever have is seeing yourself in a space that is neither planned nor familiar to you. Just watch how beautiful you look meeting yourself for the first in a risk!
Pricing:
- Catering: $1,200 for small party under 40 guest
- Private Dining $250 for party of 2
- Small Event: $2000 for party of 40
- Party of 40+ call for quotation
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.caliveganfood.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caliveganf00d/
