Meet Raisa Hunter | Wife + Mom + Chef

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

Hi Raisa, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
After working in marketing for over 10 years, I found myself stagnant. I wanted more than what the organization was offering and really had reached a point of no more growth. Always having a passion for food and somehow maintaining a part-time food related job, in addition to a full-time career job, I was just ready to do something different than meeting deadlines or attending meetings that could have been an email. It was during the pregnancy of my second child that I resigned from my job and took a leap of faith. I wanted to start a business that represented me and my outlook on food. I wanted to start a secret supper club, offering exclusive, invite only, multi-course meals to foodies or people who just loved to eat really good food. Thus, The Secret Rose was born in May of 2017.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a self-taught chef from Savannah, GA. I love to cook and host small intimate gatherings with really good and creative dishes. My cooking style is Southern American, focusing on small bites. It’s the first bite that will either make or break a dish. After receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Communication/Media Studies I worked for a non-profit organization for over 10 years. I learned a lot. I was able to be creative. I networked and met some great people, but where was all that taking me? After marriage, being laid off with a 15 month baby at home by this company, doing some freelance work, getting re-hired at the same company, and a second baby on the way, it was really time to reevaluate my life path. In 2015 I decided resign and embark on a whole new path. This wasn’t easy, as I was making the decision to walk away from a stable career into the unknown. My husband was and continues to be super supportive on my decision to follow my dream and passion of food. Through faith and prayer, I knew my family and I would be okay because I was starting a legacy of my own. It was just a few short years later, with the help of a good friend that I sat down, wrote down my business plan and really started to put faith and works in action. It started with birthday parties, then family gatherings, then weekly meal prep for families. Before I knew it I was catering for corporate events, weddings and even the organization that I walked away from! It was and is my love for good food that keeps me going and my clients coming back. My business is 100% referral based and those blessings continue to grow each month. My goal is to set standard for food that it doesn’t have to be fancy or complicated to be good and simply enjoyed. I am most proud that of my clients continuing to take a chances on my small business and challenge me to make food that they can literally taste the love in.

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 best fried was visiting we’d start out by checking in to the Twelve Hotel in Downtown Atl. After getting settled we’d check out Ponce City Market for either a bite, some window shopping or just hang out on the roof top for a drink and views of the city. During the week, I’d be sure to take them to check out Little Five Points, particularly The Porter for their amazing burger and fries. We’d have a little r+r at iwi fresh resting spa. I’d definitely have to take them to check our Slutty Vegan for their fun yet tasty menu. When it’s time to turn up a bit, we’d visit the Edgewood Ave. night life, Suite Lounge or the infamous MJQ over on Ponce. For a bit of culture and history, I’d like to show them MLK Museum and Park, The Sweet Auburn district (gotta hit the curb market!), The National Center for Civil + Human Rights, all of the dope wall art and graffiti throughout the city like L5P, John Lewis Mural and the Jackson Street bridge. I would be remised if we didn’t rent electric bikes one day and strolled the belt line. With the recent improvements and expansion, I think my friend would really enjoy seeing how diverse Atlanta is. Each neighborhood in Metro-Atl is so different, so it would be a must to hit the hot areas like: West Midtown, Midtown Atlanta, Downtown and The Underground, Buckhead and even the new and improved Summerhill neighborhood near the historic former Atl Braves Stadium.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate my success to my family and friends. They are the ones who believed in me, pushed me, criticized me for the good and bad and continue to encourage me and give me strength to make really amazing and enjoyable food.

Website: thesecretroseatl.com

Instagram: instagram.com/thesecretroseatl

Facebook: facebook.com/thesecretroseatl