Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Hunter
Hi Crystal , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Growing up I became curious as to how the delicious meals my parents prepared for my family were made. I was never allowed to help them in the kitchen, so this brought me to watch them create every meal I consumed. I then wanted to explore more by watching the Food Network. Chefs like Sunny Anderson, Rachel Ray, Ina Garten, Alton Brown, and Emeril Lagasse, and so on, quickly caught my undivided attention. I would learn what different types of fish were, different herbs, how to measure wet and dry ingredients, what pots and pans to use for certain dishes. It was a lot to gain knowledge on, but I had developed a passion for cooking at tender age of 9. Upon me gaining knowledge and observing my parents in the kitchen, I cooked my first meal which was pan seared tilapia. I could’ve done a better job by oiling my skillet but the flavor of it was absolutely divine. Fast forward to me being in grade school and my mom letting me prepare breakfast on the weekends for my family was a task that scared me, but I executed it every single time. I had to start somewhere, so breakfast became “my thing”. The more and more I practiced the more I felt comfortable feeding others. My family became the only people who I would let taste my cooking. I became more comfortable and was a little more experienced in high school, so my friends would come over after school to hang out with me and if my mom didn’t cook, then i would. My friends truly admired every single thing i made. From collard greens to mac and cheese and simple things like party wings, I didn’t miss a beat! I did this all throughout high school and would even bring food and desserts to school to share. I never charged anyone because I just really enjoyed cooking feeding others, while in undergrad, I had a plethora of friends tell me I should go into business for myself and sell my food. At first, I immediately said no because I just wanted to simply cook and continue to feed people. At this point, I was feeding my neighbors, professors, classmates, and even my nephew’s friend would come over to receive a hot meal. At times, I didn’t know that the meals I would give out would be people’s only meal for the day. So, there was no way I considered it. All that changed when my university was going to host an ‘Entrepreneur Day’, and one of my professors encouraged me to participate. I had months to prepare but I was determined to keep things how they were. After careful consideration, numerous prayers, encouragement from my friends and family, and a long talk with my mother, I decided to launch Tasty Creations by Crystal in 2019. I started off by selling dinners and things took off very well for me and then I eventually ventured off into catering. So far, I have gained a large clientele and catered events near and far. Some of my clientele include Delta Airlines, International Paper, and SCCPSS. Even though I cater, there are still times when my friends and family will stop by to grab a hot meal because that’s one thing, I believe I’ll never stop doing. Through it all, I know I still have work to do. I make mistakes and learn from them. But the most important part is that I keep going.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I would be lying if I said this ride has been smooth. I have come across a very bumpy roads along the way. One of the struggles I had to endure were making sure I set prices that were fair for myself and my client. A lot of times, potential clients wouldn’t book with me because they deemed me to be “too high” or “over their budgets”. I used to find myself lowering my prices because I wanted to showcase my food. I began to struggle financially and began to realize that I would work tirelessly just to break even. So, for a while, I stopped catering and doing dinner sales. My main problem was that I was such a people pleaser and would let this big heart God gave me stand in my way. That quickly came to a halt. I had to tell myself that my price was my price and stand firm on that.
As you know, we’re big fans of Tasty Creations by Crystal. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Tasty Creations by Crystal is a catering company based in Savannah, GA and serving Savannah, GA and its surrounding areas. At Tasty Creations, we cater all types of events ranging from private dinners to large weddings. We specialize in soul food but can create numerous delectables to fit every client’s needs/wants. I believe what sets me apart is my passion for cooking. I’ve been cooking since the age of 9 and the passion I have for it, is beyond amazing. The way I serve others, the rapport and relationship I build with people outside of my business is truly fulfilling. The way I stay calm under pressure and always work to find a solution for my clients when needed. I take pride in it all. I mostly proud with the small name I’ve made for myself. I love when my clients, family, and friends refer people to me and brag about me. It makes me smile from ear to ear.
What does success mean to you?
Success for me means setting a clear direction for myself and working hard to reach that destination. It’s about enjoying your journey and making it to the finish line. It’s about progress, learning from your mistakes, and feeling proud of the things you’ve achieved. People often think its Soley about money but believe me when I say it’s much more than that. Money is just a bonus!
Pricing:
- Min. Booking amount starts at $600
- 40+ guests parties start at $20 pp
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tastycreationsbyc?igsh=Z2FwNHd3N3J5NDVz
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/QaSDDUZ5uhwFngRD/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Other: [email protected]
