Meet Camilah Campbell | Chef, Author & Restaurant Owner

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

Hi Camilah, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I didn’t really have a choice. I held a position in corporate America for 12 years. During COVID, I was in the wave of corporate America cut backs that took place and I took a severance pay out. I could either go back to corporate and start all the way over working my way to the “top” again OR bet on myself. In which I did.

What should our readers know about your business?
Was it EASY? Hell no! It’s still not. lol.

Running and operating a restaurant is probably one of the hardest challenges I’ve had to overcome.

Building a brand, getting your name out there, earning customer loyalty, consistency is ALL difficult.

However, I credit my degree from Clark Atlanta University (business finance) and my corporate America experience in business management to my overall success. I’ve learned many jewels along the way that I’m able to apply to my everyday field now.

From retention of my employees, customer service. understanding growing revenue while minimizing expenses is something that most business owners learn a few years in, however I had a head start in the game understanding this walking in. Which is why I do not mind putting in the working hours to keep my expenses down. I’m able to be in my business and work to understand the expenses.

I’m most proud of getting to year 3 and continuing to see my business GROW. We’ve been able to partner with major businesses like Georgia Power (who reached out to us last year to be feed their linemen in Claxton Georgia during the hurricane season) about 1500 people per day for a week!

My mother was my biggest WHY. She had a passion for cooking and I followed in her footsteps. She passed away the year before COVID with Glioblastoma (a rare cancer) so she was never able to see me accomplish my goals. Everything I do is for HER!

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.
If my friend landed in ATL:

First stop: my favorite AÇAÍ bowl : Blendz (off camp creek) Washington Rd

Next stop Lenox Mall to the best boutiques to find our outfits for the week 🙂

Visit the belt line – so many amazing eateries and nightlife

Of course brunch at LOVE AT FIRST BITE

Skating at CASCADE

Picnic at Piedmont Park

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?
There are so many individuals who have played a major role in my elevation and success. Thank you to everyone who have helped in any way shape Love at First Bite. Thank you to my dear friend Darnell who all the encouragement and really playing a major part in getting things off the ground with his network and knowledge in the field of business. Omar Ali! – friend and the one who approached me about even opening a restaurant. I would not be here at all if it weren’t for him!

Website: https://www.loveatfirstbiteatl.com

Instagram: Loveatfirstbitebrunch

Facebook: Love at First Bite Brunch

Yelp: Love at First Bite

Image Credits
Yes