We had the good fortune of connecting with Dontrece Woodson and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Dontrece, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting my food business, The Soul of Things. Definitely was not only a thought process, but a revelation. I tried my food business years ago. Sad to say I was not successful. This time around took a lot of thought and patience. But I wanted to make sure I was ready to start again. Starting with my passion, purpose and the love I have for food, and creating an experience for soul food cuisine with a twist! I wanted to make sure this time around, I was going in the right direction.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I love making food for the soul!. I have been cooking since I was a child. But I do have a love for helping people and touching souls in general. I have a background in healthcare. I currently work for one of the largest medical IT consulting firm in the world. I have a degree in Healthcare Administration. Been working in this field for over 13 years. I say that to say no this journey has not been easy. I am a single mom who had to jungle going to school, as well cooking as my side business to help support my son and me. I knew this is how I took care of the both of us. So, I always wanted to make sure I performed above expectations at my any of my jobs. This is no different than when I put on my chef hat on. I would start by 4Am in the morning my day for taking my son to school. Going into my 9 to 5. Then come home and start my orders. Wouldn’t end until 11pm sometimes midnight. What makes me stand out is that this is still who I am!. Single mom, a Chef, and a have a full-time job in healthcare. And all 3 jobs will always be done with grace and excellence. I may start off as a small catering and event food business. But the talent I have with soul cuisine and my homemade desserts are all done with a big heart. I plan to make a name for myself in the DFW metroplex, and eventually the world.
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?
All honor goes to God as number one. And I would love to give credit to everyone. Because there were so many people who have encouraged me along the way. But my biggest supporters is my son Elijah. Through late nights of me doing orders, from baking in my kitchen. Being there with me at events. He is truly my backbone, as well as my fuel to my heart to keep me going.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoulof_things?igsh=MWNqdWJjaXpqbmczaQ==
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550599871407&mibextid=ZbWKwL
Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/the-soul-of-things-waxahachie
Other: https://dot.cards/thesoulofthings
Image Credits
Jflproductions on Ig