Meet Raven Jackson | Private Chef & Caterer

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

Hi Raven, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I did not set out with the intentions of creating a catering business. I enjoyed cooking as a hobby and televised cooking competitions were my jam, but I never thought I would be cooking for the masses. Initially, I wanted to keep it a small side hustle. In fact, my business social media pages were private for a while because I was too afraid I would blow up and not be able to manage potential customers and requests.

I figured I could work my public safety job and cook on my off days. With the profit earned from cooking I could buy LSAT study materials and prepare for the law school entrance exam. In the beginning that’s exactly what I did. I bought the materials, studied and took the exam. My score came back pretty average but I knew I could score in the top percent tile if I applied myself. It grew pretty hard trying to balance a job, catering business, and my studies. Eventually, cooking took precedence and elevated from a side hustle to a legit business.

In the end, I see Raven’s Creations having a huge online and physical presence. I visualize having both supporters and clients worldwide. Once more established, I would also like to incorporate second chance employment and some form of teaching to inner city school children and parents on how to create affordable, filling, and healthy meals.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Raven’s Creations is not your average catering company. We prioritize taste and experience above all else and we pay attention to Every. Single. Detail. Our recipes are tried and true and created to form memories. Something that separates me from other chefs is that I prioritize my happiness. To clarify- in my research I learned that the culinary industry is a breeding ground for depression, isolation, and general unhappiness. I believe that food is supposed to nurture the soul and can be a true showcase of love. To keep my dishes top tier, I prioritize my mental health. I have created boundaries for my business that keeps me both happy and healthy. As a result, I can better serve my clientele and stay on top of my game. So, when I say we think of every single detail and consider things that may impact the quality of our food at all times I mean it! The product itself is also a clear distinction from other catering businesses but I may be a little biased here, lol.

Being an entrepreneur is never easy and we have all had to overcome our own unique challenges. Add in the stress of COVID and the possibility of a recession, a hospitality-based business can be absolutely terrifying. I take it day by day, put my faith in God, and trust that my talent will take me on the path that God has directed me towards. I’m most proud that I have not given up. It’s challenging to learn every aspect of a business and work with limited resources as a small business. It is worth the dedication and hard work.

The world needs to know that Raven’s Creations truly puts love into every dish. I love to travel and enjoy highlighting cuisine from other areas by creating fusion dishes. I love getting to know clients and form new relationships. Raven’s Creations offers private chef services, private dining, catering to go and buffet style catering. We have a lot more exciting things planned for the future as well so stay tuned!

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?
If you are coming to visit me than you know I love supporting other growing businesses, mom and pop shops, and businesses led by a female or Black owner. Luckily, Cincinnati is home to a few of my favorites:

Good eats: Loving Hut, Richies, Soul Secrets, Teranga, Drunken Bento, Conscious Kitchen, The Dipper, Jazzy Sweeties Bakery, and Raven’s Creations (of course).

Things to Do: Top Golf, painting at Elliot Jordan Studio, escape rooms, cabrewing, Bengals football/ FCC soccer/ Reds baseball games, Findlay Market, the Funny Bone, shopping at Kenwood Mall and Liberty Center, candle making, The Freedom Center, sky diving and many more.

Self-Care: lash set by The Lash Fairy, facials and massages from Lust Worthy Aesthetics, hair appointment with The Beauty Loft, and custom clothes from A’Real Fashion.

Night Life: Nostalgia, Somerset, Tree House patio bar, bar hopping at the Banks

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?
I’d like to dedicate this shout out to my entire village; they keep me whole and encourage me to strive for greatness. To my mama and uncle Reese for offering unwavering love and support and my line sister, Alexa, who always lend a helping hand when needed. Lastly, shoutout to my customers and supporters, it’s because of you I can. You all have played an integral part in the success of Raven’s Creations and have helped me tap into skill sets and talents I didn’t know I possessed.

Website: https://www.ravenscreations.org

Instagram: https://instagram.com/ravens__creations

Twitter: https://twitter.com/chefraven1

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RavensCreationsLLC/

Image Credits
Raven Jackson