Meet Yana Simms

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

Hi Yana, what do you want people to remember about you?
I want people to remember how they felt around me. Safe. Seen. Inspired. Whether you supported Petite Eats, sat in my culinary arts classroom, or just followed along from afar, I hope you felt like you were part of something that made space for joy and creativity.

I’m not chasing legacy in the traditional sense. I just want to remind people that they don’t have to wait for permission to dream big or build something bold. You can create your own table, set it how you like, and invite whoever you want. I want to inspire wealth in a soulful way. The kind that fills your cup, not just your pockets.

If people remember me as someone who led with heart, shared what she had, and made things feel possible, that’s more than enough.

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.
I started Petite Eats in DC in my early 20s. At the time, it was mostly catering for events, and I was lucky to be part of some great ones like a holiday party where the mayor attended, an XM Radio event, and a prom dress pop-up hosted by a local radio station. That early experience showed me how powerful food could be when it connects with people and community.

When I moved to New York, Petite Eats grew into a custom cake business. It really took off during Covid when people wanted comfort and creativity in their celebrations. Later, after moving to Dallas, I started getting repeat requests from customers asking if I could ship. That challenge pushed me to rethink what I offered and find something just as creative and delicious that could ship well. That’s how the cookie side of the business came to life.

What sets me apart is that I create from both heart and curiosity. I love playing with flavors, but I also love design, storytelling, and making things feel intentional. I’ve recently leaned more into digital design, which made rebranding and building my own website feel like the right next step.

It has not always been easy. I’ve had to learn a lot through trial and error, manage everything on my own, and stay motivated even when things felt uncertain. But every challenge taught me something. I learned how to pivot, how to listen to what people need, and how to build a brand that actually feels like me.

Petite Eats is more than a business. It is a space where I get to bring my ideas to life and invite people in to enjoy them. It lets me wear different hats and follow different creative passions without needing to choose just one. That freedom is what I’m most proud of, and it is what I want others to feel when they interact with my brand.

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.
If my best friend came to visit, we’d have a packed but balanced week. We’d get BBQ at Heim, oysters at Hudson House, chicharrón de pulpo at The Mexican, and Jamaican food from Lynn Rich. A grocery run to Central Market would definitely happen, because I love wandering those aisles and finding hidden gems.

Dinner would be at Roots Southern Table or Ridicci Italian, both from Chef Tiffany Derry. I love how she brings soul and intention to every dish. For something more low-key, we’d bird watch at White Rock Lake and visit Discovery Gardens or the Dallas Aquarium. Birds and butterflies have always fascinated me.

At night, we’d hit up LadyLove or Double D’s for good drinks, great DJs, and that community feel that reminds me of home.

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?
First, shoutout to my siblings. They’ve always been my biggest cheerleaders and a huge part of why I do what I do. I want them to always see what’s possible.

To my wife, thank you for grounding me, pushing me, and holding space for every wild idea. Your support means everything.

To my friends, thank you for the laughs, the love, the honest feedback, and the endless hype.

And to my younger self. You had no clue how it would all turn out, but you kept going. I’m proud of you.

Website: Https://Cateringpetiteeats.com

Instagram: @cateringpetiteeats

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanasimms

Other: Https://yanamichelle.com

Image Credits
Zach Shotit
Marli Frazier
Angelica Epps