We had the good fortune of connecting with Aunna Douglas and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Aunna, what do you attribute your success to?
Honestly, God. Living in my purpose. Exercising my God given talent. I literally do what I Love & the rest follows. Once I realized my purpose I prayed and planned.. Aunna Mae’d It was a dream that I prayed for, & I’m living it out. I will continue to pour into the community that’s helped build and expand my brand. Success cannot be obtained solely by a business owner alone, without my customers there would be no business..
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
From what I’ve been told, I truly cook with love & it shows. It reflects in my meals and my efforts. I’m often applauded for my customer service and professionalism. I take pride and appreciate every encounter. I’m most proud of having the ability and determination to overcome the things that were suppose to destroy me. I’m proud that I was able to step out on faith and start over from scratch. It was never easy it took resilience & dedication to get to where I am today. Truthfully this is just the beginning the best is yet to come. Things are starting to align with the plans set for me I am excited for the future of my business. The lessons I’ve learned is to never give up, smile in the face of adversity, & if you want it GO GET IT. Faith over fear is a motto I live by. I want the world to know my gift is bigger than me, I was given a gift and I will use it to change the world. God created me to serve others, and I’m doing it one plate at a time.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Honestly, I cannot wait to have my restaurant. It will the epitome of “the spot” lol… however in the mean time I would take them to a local church I’ve grown within Vive. (Vive City Church- Pastor Brandon Davis ) or my home church Community Missionary Baptist Church (Pastor Oscar D. Epps Sr.) & Sundays require brunch- so we would head to my house It would include lots of shrimp & grits, chicken & waffles, fried potatoes, & cheesy eggs. To no surprise I’m a big foodie… So we gotta eat we would have to hit some of my favorites: Ojedas, Al Biernat’s, & Del Frisco. We would definitely have to visit my Local Favorites: Shells & Tails- (Jermaine best seafood ever), OD2Y Chef Ty, Juice With Nita (D’nita Isaac)& We gotta get dessert from Iced2Perfection (Amber Fuller) I’m pretty chill & like a good vibe…hookah and good music always wins me over. My go to places are anywhere DJ JSharaye is booked, union park, Harris House of Hero’s, & anywhere Don Diego Jazz Band Is playing.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Without God there is no me… Jeremiah 29:11 “‘For I Know The Plans I Have For You’ Declares the Lord, ‘Plans to Prosper You and Not to Harm You, Plans to Give You Hope and a Future. Ultimately God gave me this gift and I will ensure that I give all the glory where it’s due. He also sent me an amazing support system to help me along the way. I get a lot of encouragement from my parents (Daddy & Chica/Shuga & Pops). Hearing my daddy simply say “I’m proud of you” means the world to me. Shuga especially steps in when I need her most, the event set ups, break downs, clean ups, & those last minute store runs she’s there. My family & My friends ..honestly too many to list Individually. However collectively they always show up and show out in numbers and I appreciate them all! A special thanks goes to my Best friends, my Hussle, & my SWODS they all go the extra mile to make sure I lack nothing, show up for everything and keep me covered in prayer which is essential! Additionally, I recently proclaimed that I would have a commercial lease by 2021 #SoldByShron … Sh’Ron is my commercial realtor, turned friend, turned family. She spoke life to me in a time when my life and business were disrupted. I was discouraged and couldn’t fully see the light at the end of the tunnel. Sh’Ron reminded me I was the light. I appreciate her more than she knows! Lastly, My clients, anyone that has ever shared a post to tell someone “Aunna Mae’d It”, passed out a flyer, left a review, attended an event, purchased food from me, booked me for their special occasion Any of that… I am so thankful for the love and support. I literally can’t do this without them!
Instagram: https://instagram.com/aunnamaedit?igshid=1cq1n1l3a0y75
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Food—Beverage/Aunna-Maed-It-192473028237979/
Image Credits
Aunna Douglas Suzie Douglas