We had the good fortune of connecting with Brandon Lateef and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Brandon, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I didn’t want to work for anyone. Also, I wanted to make money doing something that I was passionate about. I didn’t want to be rich. I just wanted to be free to create and try new things without having a manager tell me what I could or could not do.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Meal prepping, working on my catering business and growing my client list as well as my social media presence, while working and learn the ins and outs of the food truck business.
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.
There are so many new restaurants popping up all over the city. I don’t go out much but I do like to try new places. I do want to try Sammy Cheesecake in East Point. Sam went to Westlake and so did I and I heard his cheesecake is the best.Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My kids have always been an inspiration to be a better human and to never give up. The things that I do and continue to do are for them. My brothers and sisters from another mother, Jay Pittman, Joseph Johnson, Brian Laman, Tarrence Antley, Tony Worthem, Erin Adams, Jamall Blackwood, Tasha Jenkins, Sheena Criag all supported me in some hard times that I have had over the years as well as business wise. Mrs. Jackie Pittman has been my 2nd mom since I was 8 and continues to support me today. Ms. Gloria Griffin has always gone out of her way to support and promote my business. Evelyn is my neighbor and one of the most positive people I have ever met. Anytime I see her she has some motivation words for me. If I say Im trying to do someone, she’ll tell me you’re going to do it. And though we go through it from time to time, the mothers of my daughters, Crystal, Felicia, and Venus have always supported my vision. My frat brother and good friend, Sean Collier, has always inspired and motivated me to keep grinding and go for what you want no matter what anyone thinks.. Veronica Walker, she got me started with meal prep just recently, and I’ve been making her 14 meals a week, every week since. Tiffany Moore, one of my good friends, inspired me to see myself as a brand and with her crazy amount of accomplishments, she has shown me that anything is truly possible. Most of all, my mom, Karen DeFoor Lateef, who I just want to make proud. I wish she was still here. Some of the mistakes I made would have never happen with my mom on my ass. There have been so many influences over the years, but these guys stand out.
Website: www.wingalingcateringatl.com
Instagram: @wingalingx
Other: wingalingx@gmail.com