We had the good fortune of connecting with Beverly Brown-Norwood and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Beverly, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’ve always cooked. At the height of covid, when I made the decision to leave my corporate job, is when I decided to monetize my craft. I couldn’t bear the constraints of clocking in/having a 9-5. I felt stagnant and knew I needed change. Being able to cook presented an opportunity for me to do what I love, what I’m great at, and earn a living doing so. It was a no brainer.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m Beverly. And I know that there’s no other person in existence like me. That’s what sets me apart. I’m proud of my resilience and ability to create something for all walks of life to enjoy. Good food is universal and speaks to us all in every language. It’s a love language if you will and I’m speaking it fluently. I’m most excited about what’s to come. I know the universe has great things in the works for me (my food) and I can’t wait to see what that looks like. I can’t wait until my food is known globally. Being in the kitchen/feeding people has taught me to trust and rely on my instinct and intuition 100% of the time, that people may not like you personally but they can’t deny (my) good food, and that life is a series of lessons and constant growth. I’m allowing myself to grow and learn. That’s key. I want the world to know that it’s ok to season your food; don’t be scared of using more than salt/pepper….that Black Women matter, we’re the pillars of it all and should be regarded as such, and that my story isn’t finished yet. Like me, it’s a constant work in progress.
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.
Hmm, this is a good one. Atlanta is such a melting pot. There’s something for everybody and I would want my guest to experience it all. My absolute favorite place is the Beltline; my wife and I walk it every day and always manage to find something new along the route. We’d have a picnic in Old Fourth Ward (Skate) Park. We’d visit Ponce City Rooftop. Go skating at Cascade. Check out a concert at City Winery. Take a cooking class at Jake’s. I’d make sure they try the lobster fried rice at Poor Calvins, Everything Nola Cafe for breakfast or a snowball, Cafe Bourbon Street for wings/beignets, Sublime Donuts for a late night fix. Apt 4B for good drinks and dancing, Roc South for brunch. I support local and Black businesses first. So I would do my best to introduce my guest to local and black owned faves.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
That’s easy. My wife, my aunt, and my late grandmother. All 3 women contribute to my success by way of support, encouragement, and mentorship (if it can be called that when it’s you watching your grandmother cook lol). My wife pushes me to be the best version of myself, 100% of the time. My aunt inspires me with her grace and cut throat tenacity. My grandmother paved the way and showed me how; I learned most of what I know as it relates to moving and grooving in the kitchen from her. And knowing that she’s watching over me keeps me grounded and focused on creating amazing food. Now come through, let me feed you!
Instagram: https://instagram.com/beecooks4u?utm_medium=copy_link
Twitter: Cooks_Bee
Image Credits
Dyenesha Norwood – Unique Photography