Meet Chef Tiny | Private Chef & Caterer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chef Tiny and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chef, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Honestly, my first thought was, “can I actually pull this off?” They say that you’re your own worst critic, and that definitely applied to me. I knew that I made great food and I never thought twice about cooking for family and friends but I didn’t know if my cooking would be something that people would pay for. I had to just dive in and hope I didn’t drown. I knew I didn’t want to be on anyone else’s time clock and schedule for the rest of my life. I always loved cooking so it was all or nothing. I researched A LOT, any and everything about starting a business, the licensing and registration of it all; if I was going to do it, I needed to be legit. I sat back and made a list of what I thought were some of my best dishes and started with those. I then knew I needed a name so my mother and I went back and forth with different ideas. Then came a logo that signified who I was and was memorable. It was definitely a process but a fulfilling one.

What should our readers know about your business?
Chef Tiny’s This & Thatz LLC is in a category of its own for the simple fact of how much of my heart and soul is poured into my craft. There is no doubt that my clients can taste the love in every bite. I cater to my clients and their individual needs. My goal is to make them happy and that’s what I do. I take the time to learn their visions and work to bring them to fruition. This has not been an easy journey and I am still learning as I go. There were times where I shortchanged myself because I didn’t know the worth of my work and accepted less than what I deserved because, “a gig is a gig,” but not anymore. I’ve learned myself and have been growing as a person and business owner. I’m continuously working to perfect my craft and give my clients the “WOW factor.” I want the world to know that I’m not letting up; prepare to be SICK OF ME!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting, I’d definitely start with brunch! My go-to choices are between Breakfast at Barney’s and Toast. You’re surrounded by beautiful Black people, and the food is delicious. For some grown leisure fun, we would visit Kaya Vineyard and Winery for some great wine, scenery, and grape education! We’d have to check out the aquarium because it’d be a sin not to, and maybe a sip and paint or two. Aside from that, I’d just see where the wind took us. When it comes to Atlanta, you’re bound to get roped into a random pop up event.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my family. They have been supportive of my dream from the beginning. My mother helped me come up with my name and walked me through the process of legitimizing myself since she’s a business owner as well (special shoutout to DG4E Counseling & Coaching). You know how they say, it’s always your family and friends looking to get discounts; that’s not the case with me. My own parents and siblings purchase plates from me. In fact, my biggest catering event thus far was booked through my aunt and cousin without asking for a “hookup.” I can’t forget my friends who purchase, refer, and post me; that means so much. I have an army of support behind me and can’t be any more grateful!

Website: www.cheftinyeats.com

Instagram: cheftinyeats

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/chef-tiny-s-this-and-thatz-lawrenceville