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

Hi Tyler, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I originally started having thoughts on starting my own food truck business back in 2018, while attending culinary arts school at Lawson State Community College. I knew I wanted to do something for the rest of my life that I loved and enjoyed doing, and eating and cooking were the two. During the start of the pandemic back in early March 2020, I was laid off one of the two part time jobs that I was currently working; which led me to thoughts of selling plates from home. From there, my plate sales were going so good that I decided I wanted to step into doing small catering gigs. Once I began to get bookings reserved, everything seemed to unfold piece by piece. After I saw success from previous plate sales and caterings, I ultimately figured out that maybe I could profit from starting my own private chef and catering business.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
Working in the food industry and attending culinary arts school led me into choosing to become a Chef as my career job. Little did I know, attending those hospitality classes, wine classes and just being around likeminded individuals & Chef instructors shaped me to becoming the best Private Chef and Caterer. I feel like my customer service and humble attitude is what sets me apart from others. I’m excited about what the future holds for me based off the small things I have accomplished in the duration of time that I have been catering and selling plates. The most proud moment I have so far is making Fox 6 News for a morning cooking segment. I got here today professionally by stepping out on faith and believing that I could l do anything I put my mind towards. I always felt that everything in my life was always challenging, so I strongly believe that it was not easy making it to where I am today. I started off with nothing. I had no catering equipment, no chef coat, no knives, no nothing! I had to invest all I had even if that meant I had to invest my last into fulfilling a dream. I stumbled across adversity multiple times and overcame that by sticking to what worked best for me. I learned that finishing what you started is not a easy task and that discipline is the start of success and failure. I want the world to know that it’s okay to stand out and be different and to not settle for being a product of their environment.

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.
There are multiple spots in the city that offer great food, customer service, vibes and views for anyone visiting for a short period of time. They all are unique and offer different menu items and drinks. I would recommend any black owned food business from Kaylyn’s Soul Food, Destiny On The One, Fat Charles BBQ, Granny’s Fish N’ Grits, Urban Smoke, Yo Chef, Green Acres Cafe and many many more to choose from.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, I would like to give thanks to the Most High God and my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Without him, I would not be where I am today and would not be able to acknowledge or utilize my gift. I specifically would like to shoutout and give recognition to all of those who believed in me on this journey and to those who have helped and supported me physically, emotionally, and financially along the way. Without a team and a solid support system from close friends and family, none of this would be easy to accomplish.

Website: https://linktr.ee/PlatesWithPates?fbclid=PAAaaMCB-q3sQrJh34VFtk1QA7Z7tTmIdqXXSHIHf7stMkreb4KFmaJaupzzo_aem_AayhOy3xvHu4V5p9tblXQ4KuMSfTZpwDKc-oto3PdJh4lILVLWrQpQ9zEm5kZuipg20

Instagram: https://instagram.com/cheftypates

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

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