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

Hi Armani, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My journey started as a hobby. It was a way to release stress and fellowship with others! I started a college Bible Study and fed the homeless weekly. As a college student, with limited funds, it quickly became expensive, and I had to think of other ways to draw people and money in. So, I started fundraising to keep the ministry going. One day a light clicked in my head. That’s when I knew that owning my own food company was possible!

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.
The place where you get more than a meal. For every meal, there’s an explanation, presentation, and exhalation! While I am proud to be recognized by famous household brands such as Pillsbury, Mrs. Dash, and Velveeta, I’m most excited about the FBKLA PepperJack Cheese Boudin rolls being mass-produced and sold worldwide.

Professionally, I still work a “9-5.” Finding a balance between corporate America, being self-employed, and called to ministry hasn’t been easy.
I am still pursuing my goals, but through connections, commitment, and community, the life of FBKLA, my career, I know the Bailey legacy will continue to flourish.
My social media platform is one you won’t find anywhere else! I connect with my audience by mixing my spirituality with added comedy! Thankfully, I have established a strong following. Maintaining that following is possible because we are  not only committed to the food but also to the people. Yes, the people! We have supporters from all parts of the world who believe in me as a Chef and entrepreneur.
Along this journey, the best lesson I have learned is to choose yourself. There is more than enough room in the world for everyone to be their authentic selves! “yₑₛ, 𝕐𝕖𝕤, 🆈🅴🆂!”

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 my best friend and I were to have an excursion in the city, it would start with Brunch at La Crêperie Bistro followed by tickets to an Operatic matinee! As true southerners, there would have to be time included for a nap! After refreshing ourselves, we would prepare for a night out on the town. Visiting your local downtown bars such as Marley’s or Rock n’ Bowl with a cup of liquid courage from Cupid’s Daiquiri. Finally, to help sober us up, we would end the night at Big Daddy’s – a place only known to the locals of Lafayette.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

As I reflect on my cooking journey, I cannot go without expressing the history of my heritage! The culture of my cooking is rooted in the lessons from my grandmother and mother. My grandmother, Laura Gee, emphatically known as ‘Momo’ taught me that having the best meals were not just about the flavor of the food, but the love from the cook. My mother, Michelle Gee, inspired me as a child as I watched her take in others, giving them a seat at the table and a place in her heart! We call that kind of hospitality “Louisiana lovin’!”
The person who motivated and lit the fire I needed to really make FBKLA a business is Alisha Joe. After several conversations about the possibility of owning a food company, it only became a reality because she would not let my dream die. I can remember it like it was yesterday. Another night went by with me only holding the dream in my head. Still believing it wasn’t quite tangible! The next day, my eyes woke up to see the creation of FBKLA’s social media pages on various platforms without my knowledge. It was Alisha! She grew tired of hearing about the potential and pushed me into greatness. For that, I am forever grateful.

Website: FatBoyzKitchenLA@gmail.com

Instagram: FatBoyzKitchenLA

Twitter: FatBoyzKitchen_

Other: Facebook:  Fat Boyz Kitchen LA
TikTok: Fatboyzkitchenla
Email: FatBoyzKitchenLA@gmail.com
Phone: (337) 476-1805

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