Meet Kayyonna Hayes | Soul Satisfying Cuisines with GuicchiSine

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

Hi Kayyonna, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The idea of starting my own business is dutifully rooted in my personal passion for cooking. I’ve always loved the art of creating dishes that not only taste good but also bring joy to those who experience them. It’s the eyebrow raise or the corner curl of your lip line. In every encounter, I want to offer something authentic, simple, yet delicious that people could enjoy and appreciate, especially when it comes to quality ingredients and flavors. It’s not about cooking; it is about giving others a chance to sample my creations and experience a level of satisfaction they might not find elsewhere.

I’ll be honest, I didn’t wait for the perfect time to start- It was more of a “jump in and figure it out as I go” mindset. There was this realization that if I kept waiting for the “right time”, I could have been waiting for years. But looking back 3 years ago, I see that this impulsive leap was a part of the process. I became in tuned with the canvas of opportunities that were being presented post Covid, I recognize how much of this journey is guided by faith and timing. Those experiences showed me how adaptable I could be and how much the world craves authentic food and experiences.

My continued goal is to perfect not only my products but also my business. I’m committed to upgrading and refining what I offer, while mastering the many tasks required to evolve and grow in this industry.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Guicchisine: Let Guicchi Serve You Soul-Satisfying Cuisines

My story is simple. My food is authentic, my journey has been real, and my passion runs deep.
“Let Guicchi Serve You Soul-Satisfying Cuisines” is not just a slogan. It’s a statement of who I am and what I do.

Born and raised in New Orleans, I was blessed to learn from five generations before me. Every woman in my family had at least one special dish, and I learned from them all. Absorbing their wisdom, techniques, and flavors to create my own unique style. My cooking is a reflection of my heritage, blending bold, soulful flavors of my Native American, Creole, and French roots with a home-cooked, soul-country flair.

Guicchisine was born out of my love for true, home-cooked flavors. Too often, I’d go to restaurants expecting something great, only to leave disappointed. I would instantly vision, how I would prep the item at home. I knew I could create something better—something real.

This year marks four years of entrepreneurship, and I’ve gotten here by stepping out on faith. It hasn’t been easy—I’ve faced procrastination, financial struggles, and even personal injuries. But I overcame each obstacle by moving forward, one step at a time. I live by the mantra, “Every step is progress. Keep moving!” because every small effort matters in some form.

I’ve learned that success doesn’t happen overnight, and perseverance is key. Whether it’s cooking for a corporate event or a teenage birthday party. I believe we are already equipped with what we need for the journey—we just have to keep moving.

My dream is to expand Guicchisine, first with a food truck and eventually a café in Atlanta. But no matter how much I grow, one thing will never change—when you taste my food, you’re tasting something authentic, something soulful, something made with love.

Let Guicchi serve you soul-satisfying cuisines—you won’t be disappointed.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
When I think about my favorite outings in Atlanta, the Georgia Aquarium tops the list—it’s absolutely breathtaking! I love history, so next chance I get to explore, I would like to experience the King Center or APEX Museum. Our history is so rich, I don’t think we can ever stop learning what our ancestors built or discovered.

I also enjoy more relaxed moments, like strolling the Belt Line and checking out Ponce City Market. They’ve got such a cool vibe, with shops, food, and beautiful views. And let’s not forget New Orleans Daiquiri on Tara! It’s like a little piece of home.

Every time my girlfriends visit, they send me their itineraries, and I get to explore the city with them. It’s the perfect mix of work and play!

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?
My Shoutout goes to every entrepreneur before me! And to both my accountability groups; My KJK and Safe Groups! For listening to every idea and for the encouragement and push to keep going. I appreciate you all.

Instagram: GuicchisSine, LLC

Facebook: GuicchiSine

Image Credits
Tybee Island (Personal photo)