Community Highlights: Meet Michaella “Chef” Ewing of Pretty Girl Cheffing Culinary Services

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michaella “Chef” Ewing.

Hi Michaella, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My mother plays a huge role in my love for cooking. As a little girl, she taught me to make biscuits, soups, collards you name it.

Even from an ICU room, this lady made sure I could hold my own in a kitchen. I graduated from Windsor Forest at 16 and left for Georgia Southern that summer with intention of completing a degree that would make everyone else but me happy (as so many others do). Through the GSU Food Services Department, I was able to build lifelong relationships while continuing to foster my love for food and service.

I also started a little food hustle, so to speak. My boyfriend managed an entertainment group and whenever they had parties I’d sell wings. I started getting requests for food even when we weren’t throwing parties so I started a business Killa’s Wings & Things. I sold 35cent wings, bar favorites, and Sunday dinner-style plates.

I’ve made sure to learn something from every restaurant or food service opportunity, from fast food to five-star, that would help me flourish in business! That’s right, EVEN MCDONALDS taught me some of my most invaluable lessons in the food business!

Once our first little one arrived in 2012, I saw my opportunity to return to school for something that really makes my soul happy! I enrolled in the culinary arts program at a local tech school. With a toddler and another on the way, life took a different turn and my degree was put on a hold.

I’ve always kept what I like to call “insurance jobs” while also managing to keep one foot in the culinary world one way or another. I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside, for, and with some of the most amazing clients (who all become like family to me), chefs, business owners, and fellow food & hospitality junkies like myself over a course of 15 yrs! Time flies when you’re having fun!

Most of the clients I’ve served since starting Pretty Girl Cheffing Culinary Services in 2o17 are referrals! That means more to me than any paid ad could ever! That means someone welcomed me into their space, whether at home, in an event venue, or on vacation, and allowed me to be a part of something special to them!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Food life is different now, but when I first started in this industry I’m not sure something like a smooth road even existed for someone wanting to be in a kitchen in the capacity I wanted to be. The culinary industry is a hard one for anybody!

The hours are long, and the pay often doesn’t match. People are trying to drown out life’s sorrows coupled with a strenuous job with drugs, alcohol, and every other toxic behavior. The folks that are really in it, like have a passion for it, are usually the worse because you begin to have a love/hate relationship with something that literally sets a fire in you! I told you, I’ve always kept my foot in the game. The comradery and creativity a kitchen crew gives (when we’re all on the same page) are unmatched.

But you have to get to that comradery first! It’s almost like trying to get into the most tightly run fraternity, and you are a chick! Not only was I a female demanding a place on the line, but a black female in an industry that we built but weren’t welcomed or acknowledged in. Respect has to be earned, but once you get it they have your back for life!

I’ve burnt myself. I’ve cut myself. I’ve seen my friends lose battles with their addictions, and I’ve seen some win too! I’ve cried. I’ve quit. But it all was worth it and I’d do it again to get where I am today. In fact, I’d probably focus a little more to get further!

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Pretty Girl Cheffing Culinary Services LLC?
I started Pretty Girl Cheffing Culinary Services in 2017. It was an idea to make some extra cash when I wasn’t cooking in someone’s restaurant. My business model revolved around affordable, healthy meal prep services with a sprinkling of other services.

We have since evolved to a more elevated intimate dining experience that is curated for each client, for each event. With 3 signature offerings, we have a service that fits every occasion!

PGC Plates offers a Tapas-style menu great for social gatherings and business meetings alike!
PGC Family provides a buffet-style menu perfect for the larger group, birthday dinners & more!
PGC Signature(a client favorite) is perfect for that special date night or can be tailored to provide the wow factor needed to woo an investor!

Pretty Girl Cheffing prides itself in providing client service that is unmatched! Our clients and partners are families.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Don’t compare yourself to others!

You are your best competition. Treat every client like they are paying you a million dollars! Your budget is not the same as the client’s. People pay for what they want. If someone doesn’t like your price or the way you do business that simply means that’s not YOUR ideal client.

Be confident but still willing to learn. BE HAPPY!

Pricing:

• All services are subject to a $400 minimum* and include beverage service
• PGC Plates Service is perfect for small social gatherings and business meetings.
• Our PGC Family provides a custom-curated buffet-style experience.
• PGC Siganture is our client favorite! This service is perfect for a more intimate dining experience. This can also be tailored to small celebrations and business meetings.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.prettygirlcheffing.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prettygirlcheffing.llc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PrettyGirlCheffing

Image Credits
Chefpreneur ASN Media