Meet Christonya Graham | Chef & Culinary Enthusiast

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

Hi Christonya, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting U3 Greedy Girl came during a trying time in my life. I had just relocated to Charlotte, NC from the Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area, where I lived all my life. This move was nothing but a demonstration of my faith in God. Things were progressing and the plan that I brought with me was put in motion. In the interim a catering need arose while in Georgia to attend the Make Time to Pray Ball. The scheduled catering company had an emergency and could not provide for the one hundred guests. With the help of others from the ministry, I prayed and stepped up to the plate. This was in November of 2021. By January 2022 finances began to dry up and I had obligations that had begun to add up. So, I decided to tap into an area that has always provided me with an extra income or what I used to call, play money. This area was cooking. I went into the “lab” (my kitchen), whispered a prayer, and started rattling pots. You see, I have been cooking since I was 11 years old and have always had a love for the craft.

Truthfully, starting a business was not the goal. My thought process was making ends meet using my God given gift. Individuals who attended the Ball began to request cooked meals.

It was soon after this that a few very special ladies in my life began to question me on my stagnation and procrastination in turning my gift into a business. My immediate response was that my clientele and patrons who knew my cooking ability was back in the DMV. I said all of that to say, apprehension and fear was my overarching thought as I pondered starting my business. I had so many questions, but my crew was ready with immediate responses. I knew I could cook but would the people in my new land have a taste for what I created. Did I have what it takes to build a brand in this new place? Do I have enough money to invest into a new business venture?
Although, I took the required steps to establish the business as a legal entity, I stayed in my head. My mind was working around the clock, writing the vision, remembering recipes, creating menus, and second guessing moving forward. The one consistent daily activity that carried me through this phase was prayer. I relied on my prayer life to order my steps and orchestrate my actions. Every day was a task and sometimes a hard stretching. While navigating this stage in by business, I was receiving orders and inquiries daily. But still I second guessed my stepping out into entrepreneurship and questioned the timing.
You know as I sit back and reflect on those days, I realized I cried often. Many were happy tears, and some were fear of failing. I know my faith reminds me that God did not give me the spirit of fear but that of love, power, and a sound mind.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a chef and culinary enthusiast I pride myself in preparing flavorful meals and cuisine using herbs, spices and loads of love. My craft goes beyond cooking and includes creating dishes that not only taste good but look good too. Presentation and taste are everything. I am where I am today because I remained committed to being uncomfortable and promised myself, I would not quit. Pursuing the life of a chef and soon to be restaurant owner was not easy but not hard either. Every challenge has been met with prayer, research, and seeking guidance from those who have the experience and knowledge base required to overcome obstacles. Although my journey is far from over, I can honestly say that one of my biggest lessons I learned was the importance of timing and pricing. As a business owner, I had to be confident in my brand and not be afraid to charge for it. I quickly learned the detriment of undercharging and the disappointment of breaking even. U3 Greedy Girl is Unapologetic, Unbothered and Unstoppable. We are committed to quality, healthy, and flavorful cuisine that will set us apart from the rest. We are known for our homemade “Greedy” Vinaigrette salad dressing and marinade. We just want the world to “Taste and See” because “It’s okay to be Greedy.”

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.
A week-long trip to the ATL by my best friends from the DMV would consist of a visit to the Atlanta Aquarium. We would also have to make a stop past the World of Coca-Cola. The visit would not be complete without going on the North Georgia Wine Country Tour. The other must do would be to take them on the Midtown Atlanta Food and Cocktail Tour. Just in case we had time, a trip to the Atlanta Zoo has always been a wonderful place for a mid-day outing.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Out the gate, I must thank God for blessing me with the gifts and natural abilities to cook. But it was my Aunt Carol (Mutt) who encouraged me to cook different, create different and tap into the chef within. We were known to the family as “Mutt & Jeff.” She was always that one that would be willing to taste dishes outside of the southern cuisine that we grew up on. I must also thank my 89-year-old grandmother, Veretta Harden for instilling in me the value of feeding the less fortunate. My son, Warren Demonte’ and grandson, DeMario Xavier Amir for being my tasters and assistants. This journey could not have been possible without the anointed declarations of my Apostle, Parice C. Parker who spoke over my life and the prayers of Make Time to Pray Ministries. Special kudos to my aunt and uncle, Anthony and Lisa Harden who were among my first customers. Major thanks to Karen, Kimberly, Jacqueline, and Colita for being my “dream team.” They supported me, mentored me, encouraged me, and loved me all while pushing me to get uncomfortable. Most importantly, I appreciate them for caring enough to tell me what I needed to hear and not what I wanted. Finally, to my parents Reverend Warren and Pastor Andrella Graham who have always been supporters. Their support will and has always offered objective views which causes me to think outside of my usual capacity. To all of them I say thank you and I Love You.

Website: www.u3greedygirl.com

Instagram: @U3GREEDY

Facebook: @U3GreedyGirl

Other: Tik Tok: @u3greedygirl

Image Credits
Warren Demonte Kimberly Lee