Meet Valda Blackmoore: Entrepreneur, Food Blogger & Recipe Developer

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

Hi Valda, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I wanted to do something that brought me joy. Something that I would do regardless of whether I got paid for it or not. That thing for me is cooking. I absolutely enjoy being in the kitchen, creating delicious foods for my family and friends. If I’m having a particularly stressful day, creating in the kitchen relaxes me.

As a result, I decided to start a food blog, to talk people on a culinary journey with me. I share my recipes online, however it has been a long time goal to write a cookbook, sharing recipes of the foods that I grew up with, in Dominica. Another goal is to create a line of spices so that readers can recreate the recipes in their own homes, using the same spices that I use everyday.

What should our readers know about your business?
I’ve done a lot in my professional career. I’ve working in education, accounting, hospitality and tourism, construction and law. I used to look at my past jobs in a negative light, almost as if I lacked direction. Now, I think all those turns helped to make me who I am. Every stop on my path, added to my business experience, that now I have have working knowledge in pretty much any area of business.

Apart from my food blogging business, I also own and operate a company which provides construction management and transportation services. I also invest in real estate. It gets overwhelming on many days however the benefits of owning my own business, more than outweigh the challenging days.

I’m a hard worker and I get serious when I’m in my zone. But many people have no clue that I’m a super goofy person who loves to laugh and have a good time. I love bringing joy and levity in most situations and that’s another reason why I enjoy creating with food.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I rarely have time to hit the town so there aren’t very many dining spots that I go to. My best friend is Dominican like me, so we are always up for some good West Indian food. The first place I would take her is to Tassa’s Roti Shop in Marietta. The food is authentic and delicious.

My favorite pizza place in the city is Fellini’s. It’s a very chill atmosphere with outdoor seating, great beer and amazing pizza!

I love Thai food and Atlanta has several great Thai restaurants. I love Bangkok Station because not only is the food great, but the cocktails are simply divine. Whenever I go there, I want to get 3 or 4 entrees! The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband is my number one supporter. Whenever I have an idea, I will run it by him and he’s always ready to help me see whatever it is through. I can always count on him for honest feedback and constructive criticism.

Website: www.cookingwithval.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cookingwithval/

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX5PzfuA__3GVX2O865vIww

Image Credits
Photos of Valda Blackmoore taken by Photographer Tina Smith.