Today we’d like to introduce you to Terra Rogers.
Hi Terra, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Ever since I was a child, all I’ve wanted to do was cook. While most kids watched cartoons and animations, I loved watching the food network. I grew up watching The Barefoot Contessa, Giada At Home, Iron Chef America, Chopped, etc. Whenever I saw someone create a dish on tv, I would immediately go down to the kitchen to try and recreate what I saw. At just 9 years old I would send my mom to the store to get ingredients that she had no clue where to find like shallots, parsley, arborio rice, etc.
For a household that only ate spaghetti, and tacos these items were foreign. Soon my mother stopped cooking altogether and would let me make dinner every night. She loved it, considering she hated cooking. I never thought I would be an entrepreneur and have my own catering business but it has been the best decision I’ve ever made. I now have the freedom to create and share my love of cooking with the world.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
The road to starting my own business has been a long journey that I’m still taking. I first had the idea to start my catering business back in June of 2021. I made some business cards, and had a few opportunities but never took them seriously because at the time I was still a full-time student, and had a full-time job as a line cook. I didn’t understand what it really took to be an entrepreneur so I put the idea on hold.
It wasn’t until June of 2022 that I decided I wanted to learn how to successfully start my own business. I attended a few SCORE sessions, and shadowed my parents, who are both successful entrepreneurs, and soaked up as much information as I could. Every day I learn something new. The road gets bumpy, I never know if I’ll have a client or business but my faith, supportive family, and confidence are what keep me going.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have been working in the hospitality industry since I was 16 years old. My first job was at a Carhop at Sonic. I am now the former head chef at The Campground. Before I became the chef at The Campground, I had only worked as a line cook at a fine-dining restaurant called Verbena. I worked mainly fast food prior to that, so the fact that the owners of The Campground saw so much potential in me and gave me the opportunity is crazy to me. I do believe in my abilities, I just couldn’t believe they did too.
Accomplishing that at only 23, with minimal managerial/chef skills was one of my proudest moments. I recently graduated from Johnson County Community College with my associates in Food & Beverage Management. I think what sets me apart is my passion, drive, and the fact that I am a young African american female. There aren’t too many people my age, who look like me and accomplish the goals I am. I want to be an inspiration for young black girls to go after their dreams.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out.
Some advice I would give others would be to make a business plan.
Put your idea into a plan and set goals for yourself to meet. Also, keep going. You may have a lot of fear, and self-doubt but at the end of the day, what’s the worst thing that could happen? Life will go on, live with no regrets.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @chefterra_
