Meet DeAngela McGhee | Personal Chef & Caterer

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

Hi DeAngela, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?

I didn’t originally set out to start my business. Back in 2015 through 2016 I was on my own personal fitness journey, where I used meal prepping to assist me in losing weight. Many people followed my journey via Social Media. I’ve always had a heart to help people. In 2017, I was able to use this avenue to help a friend that was on her fitness journey as well. She had recently lost both of her parents back to back from cancer. I wanted to do something to help any way I could during this time, and preparing her food was a way I could. I knew she wouldn’t be able to focus on doing that for herself. As I had many times before, I shared some pictures of meals I had prepared for her on my Facebook page. People began to ask if I could do the same for them.

But, let me back up just a little. I stated that I was on my own fitness journey in 2016. But in September of that year, I felt like God was calling me to leave my job. I worked in Treasury for a Mortgage company. I had been there 4 years. My background was in finance. 3 months after I resigned, I found some masses in my breasts. A couple of months afterwards, I was diagnosed with Breast cancer. At the time I was helping my friend, I was going through cancer treatments. A lot of people had no idea. I believe God had a different purpose for me in my life. So, with that, I researched how to start a business as a meal prep service, and DeAngela’s Personal Food Prep Service was established.

What should our readers know about your business?

Starting this business wasn’t always easy. There have been times I’ve wanted to quit, or question if I was doing the right thing. As a business owner, there will be highs and lows People will come and people will go. There were times I tried to give up, but I was pulled right back in. The love for what I do, never leaves. God constantly opens doors for me. That lets me know I’m doing what I’m purposed to do. I didn’t want to stop there, so I went to school for Culinary to open me up to learn and experience more in this industry. I’ve been able to connect with and work along side some great Chefs in the DFW area. I’ve expanded my business from just a meal prep service, to being a Private Chef, and offering Catering services, as well as Private dining.

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.

Dallas is huge, and full of great places to visit and eat. Unfortunately for me, I don’t get out much. But, I love fried chicken, and one of the spots I love to eat it is Yard Bird. Then pairing it with waffles is one of my faves. The service and atmosphere is always great. Gathering some friends and taking a cruise around Lake Ray Hubbard in Rockwall, is always fun, and watching the sun set is a beautiful sight to see. If you are a Cowboys fan, and even if you aren’t (Lol), you would enjoy a tour at the AT&T stadium or the Star.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

First and foremost, I’d like to thank God, because He has ordered my steps through out this journey. As mentioned, during the time I started DeAngela’s Personal Food Prep Service, I was diagnosed with stage 3 Breast Cancer, and was going through chemotherapy when I started my business. If it wasn’t for my parents, children, my best friend Temeka, sister, Stacy, cousin, Tiffany, and my church family, (Shout out to One Family Fellowship Church, in Mesquite, TX), I don’t think I would have gotten through it, and continued to push my business. I definitely have to thank all the customers that trusted in me to serve them over the past 6 years. A couple of years into starting my business, my Pastor, David Roberson, who is also a Certified Chef and Author, wrote a book entitled “You’re not behind”. (Add this book to your collection! You can find it on Amazon) It encouraged me, and reminded me sometimes our plans are not God’s plans, and our timing may not be His timing. Starting a new journey later in life can be scary and you may feel it’s too late. Watching him, and a few others make the decision to return to school in their 40s, and get a degree, helped push me to do the same.

Website: www.deangelasfoodprep.com

Instagram: @deangelasfoodprep

Facebook: www.facebook.com/DeAngelasPersonalFoodPrepService