Meet Latrice Blanding | Chef & Serial Entrepreneur

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

Hi Latrice, what’s the most important thing you’ve done for your children?
I have an 11 year old son, Desmond, who is literally my entire world. I gave birth to him 5 days before my 21st birthday so needless to say, I don’t think I was ready to be a mom at that time. We’ve been through a lot together. He watched me grow up while I watched him grow up. But one thing is really undeniable, my baby loves his mama!lol I take pride in being an intentional parent. I think the most important thing that I’ve done is the bond we’ve created between us. I’m very attentive to his needs while also making sure he is set spiritually, emotionally, and mentally. I never want him to grow into an adult, a man, and have unmet childhood needs from his mother. That’s what I fear the most. So I created an open space. He can verbalize how he truly feels (in a respectful way) and we talk about it. The love and support I give him has impacted and influenced him into KNOWING that he can be whoever he wants to be and create whatever he wants to create. He’s practicing his photography skills and working on creating video gamer content. He’s always said he wanted to own his own business like me and he’s really doing it. My baby is a little entrepreneur in the making and he knows he will always have love, support, and acceptance from his mom. Shameless plug…here’s his IG: @dezmondthecreator. Such an amazing kid!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Mompreneur. Caterer. Although, I’m not classically or institutionally trained, I am a natural born Chef. Hand crafted and gifted at birth. I always say, experience (whether instructed or self-taught) has its way of giving you the proper tools to master many things. Cooking is one of those things. I started my business, Distinctive Creations, in 2018 and soon after I was working for myself full time. It was scary. It was definitely a leap of faith but Ive always known my purpose. I was just afraid to walk in it. We’ve had seasons of continued wins and we’ve also had moments of losses. That just comes with the territory though. I specialize in southern comfort food. The kind that reminds you of your grandma on Sunday dinner after church. Food brings people together. I’ve witnessed it so many times. I’ve catered countless events——weddings, bridal showers, birthday dinners, even memorial services. I love the love that they feel when they’re eating something I created passionately. I just honestly love to feed people. That’s what I love the most. I love to spread love to others through food. I take pride in my work and I accept that I may be in a lane of my own. Again, I’m fine with that!  It hasn’t always been a smooth journey. I struggled with believing in myself. Self sabotaging is a real thing. I was so consumed with the thoughts of others and what they thought I should do. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned to date: changing your mindset will change your life! I honestly didn’t start to gain momentum until I shifted my thoughts and what I spoke aloud. I’ve learned to be grateful with where I am and what I have right now because I know this is all a part of the process. Daily, I remind myself what God says about me. I am worthy and I am chosen to name just a few. There’s no greater confirmation than that!

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.
I love Atlanta! Since I’m a pretty outgoing foodie, I would take her to all the amazing food spots that I’ve tried so far. When it comes to “hanging out”, my friends know that our hang out spot is definitely going to be at a restaurant lol I really love a nice laid back vibe with a menu that’s diverse in style. Toast on Lennox…AMAZING! Food is amazing. Drinks are amazing. The atmosphere is a whole vibe. That would definitely be our first stop. Louisiana Bistreaux has incredible cajun food and a nice drink menu as well. Poor Calvin’s, 5Church Atlanta, Suite Food Lounge, sooooo many more! I could literally go on and on. That’s my kind of fun lol

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Wow! I can think of three people that come to my mind easily. But anyone who knows me KNOWS I’m a #DaddysGirl to the fullest! My son is definitely my motivation but my Daddy really supports me like no other. We fuss majority of the time…well he fusses lol…but he is one of my biggest supporters. Always asking what I need. Always giving an encouraging/uplifting word. Always telling me how proud he is of me! Even when I’m wrong, he finds a way to tell me while still loving me. He’s really the greatest and I would have given up a long time ago if it weren’t for him. Love you Daddy!

Website: www.distinctivecreations.cc

Instagram: www.Instagram.com/xo_latrice_xo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/distinctivecreationssc/

Other: Instragram: www.Instagram.com/distinctive.creations

Image Credits
Smitha Lee DeZmond The Creator Kristen Jones Daniel Kenya Photo & Video Gresham Photos