We had the good fortune of connecting with Danielle Patterson “Chef Bella D” and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Danielle, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
Well I started selling plates back in 2018 at my call center job. I was doing that every other Friday and mostly on pay days. At that time it was just called Divine Taste. I started off doing pretty well, and each time I took orders, it would increase every week. I had regulars who expected to have a meal from me on pay day. I’ve always been in the kitchen since a little girl, and I really loved creating so it was a no brainer for me. I did that for a side hustle for quite a while. However in 2020 is when I really decided I was going harder than I had before. I had recently lost my job, so at the time I really didn’t have a choice but to hustle and food was easy but didn’t feel like work. The feedback and support was overwhelming. I did my first booking for an intimate dinner, and it’s been history ever since.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I like to call myself the Jill of all trades, because I was gifted with so many talents and I excel at them all. I believe the two most important things that sets me apart from others would be my presentation and the taste of my food; I don’t just call it divine for no reason lol. I would definitely have to say my quality, the way I pay attention to detail, and my personality follows. I’m most proud and excited about my growth and success. Every day I’m working towards building my future, and to see a lot of my dreams and goals come into fruition is unbelievable. I never imagined being where I am right now, and it’s honestly only the beginning so I’m looking forward to see what’s coming next. Getting where I am today took a lot of prayer, persistance, dedication, & long sleepless nights; and it has not been easy by far. People always tell you how great being your own boss and an entrepreneur is, but they don’t broadcast how hard and dranining it is. I’ll say it again, this life is not for the weak. Minimizing the doubts and fears that we all have by second guessing ourselves sometimes is a big key! Once I’m able to get out of my own way, and having the support from my tribe is really how I’m able to overcome challenges. I speak life over myself, my businesses and say affirmations to help me keep the positivity flowing. Some of the lessons that I have learned along the way is that sometimes the people you think would support you, really envy you. I’ve also learned it’s okay to let people know you need help, and that it’s okay to take necessary time for yourself. I mean you can’t run anything successfully if you’re trying to fill from an empty cup. Oh, and definitely faith without works is dead; I learned that the hard way. Taking risks is definitely not for everyone, but the outcome can be so rewarding. I’ve always been a risk taker and that person to go against the grain, but I’ll admit that I had a different approach when it came to betting on myself. I’ve given being a full time entrepeneur a few tries, but I second guessed myself so many times that it didn’t work out for me how I thought it would. This last time, I decided to really bet on myself, and get out of my own way. I prayed about it a lot, asked for signs, and manifested what I wanted. Once I felt I was ready, I took that leap and it’s been very rewarding ever since. Taking that risk to leave my regular day job and really pursure my passion has elevated my life in all aspects, in ways I could have never imagined. It’s not easy by far, but it’s definitely an amazing journey. I just want the world to know that I am coming for every thing that is meant for me, and that Divine Taste & Sweets will be a world renowned catering and baking company. The services that I provide range from meal preps, private dinners, catering for any occasion, and baked goods and sweets as well. I’ve been through so much, and have beat so many obstacles that there’s no way I can’t win. I strive for customer/client satisfaction, and providing an unforgettable experience whenever I’m able to provide a service. I ensure that my clients get their money’s worth because they could have chosen anybody else in the world, but they decided to book with me. I truly put my heart and soul into my business, and it’s not just a job for me. I’m living out my passion and dreams, and the sky is limitless.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Hmm, I don’t go out too often, I’m a home body low key. There are a few places on my list for sure. So we gotta hit TEN ATL and The Painted Pin. Hitting Edgewood to get some food, good drinks and hookah from Harold’s. I’d probably go to The Daiquri Factory and Top Golf as well. I love seafood, so Pappadeaux and Copeland’s of New Orleans for sure. Ooh, definitely have to stop by SluttyVegan and get a good vegan burger. I actually wanna check out Bar Vegan and try Dinkies too. We’ll go to Atlantic Station or Lenox and do a little bit of shopping. Then just because I haven’t tried either one, we’ll try Cirque and Capital Grille too.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My circle of family and friends for sure. If I know one thing it’s that you can’t be successful by yourself, you have to have a team behind you. I have the most supportive people in my corner; who really want to see me win and make it. They recommend clients, share and post my work, book my services and never ask for discount. Like they really encourgae me, and celebrate my wins with me as if they were their own. I really couldn’t ask for a better support system, village and tribe. I’ll even admit it’s just not my family and friends. I have the best supporters behind me!
Instagram: @divinetasteandsweets
Facebook: Divine Taste & Sweets
Other: Email: divinetasteandsweets@gmail.com Personal IG: chefmua_bellad