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

Hi Michelle, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
It was actually daily whispers and words of encouragement from my daughter K Bella. When all you know is get an education and secure a good job/career, because it’s the so called “American Dream”. I was always afraid to do what I love, because I had job security.

What I discovered is I don’t like working for for corporations that could care less about me, I feel restricted, unappreciated and that’s not good.

It started with K Bella asking me to bake chocolate chips cookies for her, then stylists and barbers starting placing orders for cookies and cakes. Soon after my little side hustle starting growing and clients began to request meals. So, I created an Instagram account, began posting the meals I would be preparing for the weekend and the orders just started coming in. Clients started requesting my catering services for their events. This is when the light bulb finally came on, you can do this, you can do what you love, so do it.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My joy(work) is creating and providing great food that is pleasing to the palate and satisfying to the soul. I’m cut from a completely different cloth, because there is an abundance of love and blessings in the food I compose. I am most proud of my clients and their continued support, through placing orders and referrals. I am excited about the growth and love that Ma’s Pound 4 Pound is receiving. I am still growing as a person and a business. No, it has not been easy and that’s totally acceptable, Ma’s Pound 4 Pound is not for everyone and that’s okay too. Overcoming the challenges, I pray, meditate, rethink and redirect my focus on what’s best for Ma’s Pound 4 Pound and what’s needed to keep distractions at a minimum. I am learning not to overthink and to know it’s okay to ask for help. I want the world to know I have a gift, I am a growing brand and I am very pleased with my accomplishments so far. The stars are aligning and the universe has shifted with favor, the visions and ideas continue to flow with inspiration and creative compositions.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There is so much to do in Dallas, Since I cook we would start with breakfast or brunch cooked at my place of course, then we would go shopping at North Park and a few outlets. There’s Van Gogh – The Immersive Experience at The Dallas Museum of Art. Of course Dallas live music will be majority of this itinerary because of my music life. The Free Man Cajun Cafe has music everyday of the week, there is something for everyone. Deep Ellum is a live music mecca: The Free Man, Three Links, Wits End and there may even be some Backyard concerts with Eddie Aguliar or Front Porch concerts with Matthew Kurzman.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The first Shoutout definitely goes to God, thank you for sustaining me, thank you for loving me unconditionally, for blessing me with this gift/talent and trusting me with me.

K Bella, my seed, my best friend, my biggest supporter and the one who continues to encouage me to conquer my dreams. I love you girl!

Sally, thank you moma for being my first favorite girl and setting the foundation of love and good home cooking.

Erica Hand, my good friend and client , thank you for always supporting me.

Felix A, thank you for the extra prayers, kindness and words of wisdom.

Blanche J, thank you for being an amazingly talented being. a friend and trusting me to make your belly happy.

Neki Bosh and Dixson, I simply love how you two love and I appreciate your love and support.

Michael Clayton for being my extra push in life/business and listening ear when I’m venting.

Terrance Johnson of TMJ Dance Project for all the love, hugs and continued support.

To my Dallas music family, artists, musicians and clients for loving me and supporting me on both sides, music and food. It’s too many to name, I love each and everyone of you guys and dolls.

To all my amazng clients, thank you for keeping me busy and supporting Ma’s Pound 4 Pound.

My appreciation goes far beyond this words

Website: maspound4pound.com

Instagram: @mas_pound4pound

Facebook: Pound For Pound by Michelle

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