Meet Barbara Byrd

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

Hi Barbara, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk taking for me should very well be my middle name. I have always taken risk even when it looked as though I shouldn’t. Even as a child I took risk, it was usually something that got me into trouble but I did it anyway. Being the oldest child and grandchild, I felt as though there was a lot of pressure on me to be great, so because I really had no idea of what that looked like I figured the only way to find out was to try, and try I did often. My family did not always agree with my methods, in fact, often discouraged them. But as I learned and moved about in life, the risk I was willing to take became greater and greater. Moving from Gary, Indiana was a risk in the eyes of my family, even to this day some 25 years later, there are members of my family who are unhappy with my decision to relocate. But it was one of the best risk I could have ever taken. It allowed me to be free to create even bigger risk in my life such as starting a business and in my case. multiple businesses all of which were risk. My catering and event planning company was the very first risk and because of my son and daughter (Daylan and Desiree) the best risk of my life. Starting that business with no money, no guidance, no knowledge, no help, with absolutely nothing but 3 pots and a vision. Now D&D Catering and Events, LLC is a multiple six-figure company servicing celebrities, corporations and individuals all over the country. I have a cookbook, merchandise and a Byrd Brain Academy, which is my 8-week course designed to help other chefs and caterers create the business of their dreams. Risk taking is something I will never stop doing, because I will always bet on myself.

What should our readers know about your business?
D&D Catering and Events, LLC being one of my business is a premier catering and event planning company in the Atlanta Metro Area. We service celebrities, corporations, and individuals across the state of Georgia and throughout the country. What sets us apart from other catering companies is our attention to the needs of the clients and our attention to detail. We create all dishes fresh the day of service and we customize our menus and selections to fit any dietary restriction including but not limited to vegan, gluten free, vegetarian and Kosher. It was not easy getting to this level of business, and often I wanted to quit and do something else, but cooking and serving is not just a business for me, it is my way of life. My ability to say yes to myself, when others told me no helped me get past the hard times. My tenacity keep me going along with the idea that I wanted something better for myself and my children. I have learned many lessons along the way, but one of the main lessons I have learned is NO ONE WILL REPRESENT YOUR BUSINESS BETTER THAN YOU! Being a small business owner has many ups and downs, sometimes more downs than ups, and I have learned that some individuals only want to work with you if you are famous, on television or well known. Well I want the world to know that some of the best chefs and catering companies are the ones right under your very finger tips. D&D Catering and Events, LLC may not be famous, but we are the best professional premier catering company with the best cuisine in the state of Georgia.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I had a few friend stop in for a visit I would take them on a little journey. We would start with a fabulous champagne brunch at the Byrd-Williams residence (our home). We must always start with the absolute best first. Then we would visit the Atlanta Botanical Gardens on day one after brunch to see the beautiful displays created with nature. Day two would be spent traveling to Amicalola Falls in Dawson County, Georgia to see the largest waterfall in the state and admire the views from the mountain top. Day three we would hike in Cobb County Georgia through one of the parks with also another view of a splendid waterfall and enjoy a prepared lunch created by yours truly with lobster rolls, signature beverages and gooey butter cake. Day four would be a night out to start with a trip to Phipps Plaza for shopping for retail therapy. Later that day we would be at my favorite restaurant Fogo De Chao with wine flowing and laughter ringing. Day five would be set aside for the city tour via party bus, we would just enjoy drinks, appetizers, sweet treats and ride around the city enjoys the views and great vibrations within the bus. Day six is dedicated to self healing. It’s a total vibe of peace, love, quietness, and meditation in one of my favorite spa locations. Day seven will be a free day, my friends will be free to explore the city on their own or just relax and be still, Sometimes we have to be still to align ourselves with the universe.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to thank all my family and especially my son and daughter, Daylan and Desiree Eubanks for being the reason why I take risk. Special Shootout to my mom Shirley Jones, for being there no matter what and Jessica Smith-Presley for recommending me for this opportunity.

Website: www.ddcateringandevents.com www.barbaraannbyrd.com
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Yelp: D&D Catering and Events

Image Credits
Images by Winston