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

Hi Jevonte’, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
The day mind is no longer running will be the day that I give up. As long as I’m continuing to brainstorm new ideas to add to my arsenal, I will never give up. My brain is the main source to my visions and success. It allows me to continuously accomplish new levels, and elevate further on my journey. No brain, no longevity.

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.
What sets me apart from everyone in the culinary field is constantly finding new flavors to combine. I come from small cities where there isn’t much originality. Food can be super boring or bland. My clients and I love picking each other’s brains. I rarely work off my personal menu’s because my clients allow me to be creative. It’s very rare they tell me no. That’s what built my clientele; I was super original. I also have a reputation of providing hefty servings sometimes. No one starves or run out of food with my services. My business has been 5 years in the making, with a lot of work to do still. My business started out with my father. He’s a private chef also. We met for the first time when I was 20 years old. Ironic, huh? I helped him out with his business, got a few pointers, and the rest is history. It wasn’t easy starting out. A lot of social media marketing and loyalty took place. I had a strong support system from my wife, in-laws, as well as close friends and family. A lot of my content was shared by loved ones. Word of mouth and social media built my clientele and reputation. People saw how consistent I was with my content online, that became the foundation to my success. One lesson I had to learn was to know my worth. I started out cheap just to get my foot in the door with clients. For a few years, I didn’t make a profit. I kept going because I loved what I do and knew the money would come. I just had to take more time into strategizing my expenses in order to not be in the red. As time went by, I couldn’t sell myself short anymore. Way too much time and effort goes into my art to be sold for peanuts. My slogan for my company, Heathsville’s Catering, is “Eat Cozy, Crave More!”. My cuisine defines comfort. Heathsville Road was where my late grandmother’s home was on. Her home was cozy as well as her food. She taught me how to cook and the reason I chose this field of work. Her spirit lives with me everywhere I go, especially in a kitchen. Anytime a client experiences the services of Heathsville’s Catering, I want clients to feel comfortable and relaxed, like we’re at Grandma’s house again. I love you grandma Linda, and I’ll miss you always!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If we’re in Rocky Mount, NC, we got to go to Tap 1918 for drinks. A few Long Island Ice Teas and a lobster roll does the trick for me. Blanche’s Bistro also makes great Liquid Marijuana cocktails.

In Raleigh, NC, Rush Hour Karting has to be on top of the list. Maybe do some shopping at Crabtree Valley Mall, and get some grub at El Rancherita around the corner from the mall.

Durham, NC, my birthplace, has to be on the itinerary. We gotta catch our minor league team, Durham Bulls, hit a few home runs downtown. We’ll find out where Mexican JV American’s food truck is located or catch brunch at Debbie Lou’s Biscuit Shop on the weekend for a Blueberry Chipotle Chicken Biscuit! Did I mention that Debbie Lou’s is black owned?

You have to go to Downtown Chapel Hill, NC for great college parties or bar hopping. It’s always lit around basketball season and Halloween. You’ll leave that city HAMMERED DRUNK any given weekend! GO TAR HEELS! A Durham native that’s a Tar Heel fan? It’s not rare in North Carolina, trust me.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My wife deserves all of the praise. I wouldn’t have gotten this far without her. Every risk I took, she forced me to do it when I told myself not to. She knows what’s best for me even when my mind is made up. I got her pregnant while we were in college, and she dropped out. She took that risk to look after our son, Tyler. She saw the passion I had for Culinary Arts, and wanted me to take it far for our new family. Ever since that day, I knew she was going to be my wife. 6 years later, we’re happily married with 2 children & 2 dogs. I love you, Shameka! You’re an awesome wife & mother!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saekwon.pittman

Other: Please follow my TikTok: heathsvillescatering Instagram/Twitter: chefvonte

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