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

Hi CiCi, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve always wanted to start my own business, something with my last name included because I grew up from a small family, not knowing any of my family member the the same last name as me. My grandmother Maxine Mann started a catering company from her house back in the 1980s, she was famous for soul cooking, good cooking food. My father Daniel Mann, was also know for making the best dishes. I wanted to continue the legacy and leave something behind for my children.  MannthatsGood was created from the taste of my good food  and my Last name. I really enjoyed watching the cooking channel at a you g age but didn’t learn the craft until the age of 19. I was self taught through thousands of cooking shows, YouTube tutorials, recipe books and family genes

I found something that I really enjoyed to do, and wanted to leave a legacy behind for my kids to continue to build upon if they choose to do so.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am diligent and dedicated to my craft. I love cooking and experimenting with ingredients. I always challenge myself to my cook famous dishes from other countries. I’m passionate about cooking with fresh produce and ingredients. I want people to taste the difference when they eat “MannthatsGood”. It’s a mix of chef-driven vision, passion for being creative and a focus on flavor perfections.

I prayed for a passion, and God blessed my hands. I’m currently working on going to school for culinary arts. I self taught myself how to cook at the age of 19, and I’m 27 now but when you’re eating my cuisine you’ll think your favorite grandma cooked it. It’s been a journey, It was not easy to get to where I’m at today, but through hard word and consistently I will get a food truck before I turn 30.  I’ve learned that you can’t please everybody and that constructive criticism is not a bad thing, I’ve grown so much because of it.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m from the city by the sea Long Beach Ca, so it’s a must that we go to the beach. There is an area off the water called shore line village, we would go eat at the funnel cake house. Attending the movie theater downtown would be a must, and on to the ferris will at the pike to look over the entire city!!!!

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?
My aunt Sarah was an inspiration. I took my very first cooking class through my youth ministry at “Light and Life Fellowship” who inspired me to love what I do and to do everything with a purpose and passion. Sarah was the light in my life. She use to cook large meals every Tuesday night, and I would be her helps Around  the kitchen. She had a passion for cooking but most importantly hospitality  …. thank you aunty may you rest in Heaven

Facebook: www.facebook.com/CiCi.mann.7

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