Meet Toya Small-Price | Cook

We had the good fortune of connecting with Toya Small-Price and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Toya, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
It’s quite a funny story actually- I have always had a passion and love for food and trying different things. However, a couple years ago, I could not cook to save my life. I lived with my two best friends in college and tried my hardest to make meals for myself. The two of them would look at me as if I was crazy for the concoctions I was throwing together. With all of my failed attempts in cooking, I was determined to master it. I grew a passion for knowing the different flavors and herbs in dishes to the point where I could take apart those same dishes that I eat at restaurants and recreate them at home. After awhile of tasting and trying, I began to cook meals for my family and best friends. The amazement in their eyes made me realize, I’d found what I was meant to do. Seeing the look of satisfaction was fulfilling to me; so much so I created my own baby – TasteitwithToya.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
TasteitwithToya was meant to just be a page of me creating content of different dishes that I love and enjoy. Along the way – I had so many people reach out to me about wanting meal preps of dishes that I created, so I took a chance and did it. I’m so proud of how much it’s grown in such a small amount of time. The journey is not easy, nor do I think it will ever be, but facing challenges keeps me going. Nothing worth having comes easy. The biggest lesson I’ve gotten from my journey so far is that you only lose when you stop trying. So, I just keep going.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
A week long trip in Atlanta would consist of a food tour, of course! There are so many different places in Atlanta to eat but I would start at Beetlecat, the food paired with the ambiance create an amazing time. Next – I would get drinks at this speakeasy called JoJo’s. It’s fairly new! The drinks are amazing and the setting is beautiful. There are so many places to meet people in Atlanta and have fun, but taking a walk through Ponce City Market and going to the rooftop to have small bites and drinks is always a good time!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family. I found myself doubting myself and my passion for a long time, scared that it would be overlooked or rejected. Without the encouragement, tough love and prayer from my close family and friends, I’m not sure that I would have mustered up the courage to take that first step. I am very thankful for my support system.

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