Meet Lakita Jones | Entrepreneur & Caterer

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

Hi Lakita, what role has risk played in your life or career?
When it comes to risk taking, it can be a scary and uncomfortable thing. Even in the uneasiness it has pushed me out of my comfort zone, and exposed me to so many more business opportunities and connections that I never thought I could reach. Not knowing how my very first dinner sale would turn out, I risked finances out my own pocket and home to get Soulful Plates started. Had I not took that initial risk to start my own catering business, I would still be leaning 100% on working for someone else.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Soulful Plates LLC, is an self-thought catering company striving to serve food that goes beyond ordinary take-out, but more like grandma’s home cooking. When Soulful Plates launched in 2018, we did so with $5 dinner plates that exceeded what I expected. We accommodate our customers in any way we can, and accept any size orders to make sure they have an exceptional experience with us.

We are set apart from others because we’re not just cooking, it is done with passion. Also, our services will meet any budget, while still providing tasteful food and wonderful customer service.

I am most proud of myself for believing that it was enough room for me in this huge catering industry.

Keeping God within the building, decisions, and plans, is why Soulful Plates is where it’s at today. It also took lots of prayers, patience, believing, faith, and finances. Many times I had to redirect myself to stay the course, in those moments of decreasing business and discouragement . There were many difficult day, that we conquered and there will be more. Many of the challenges I faced were overcome by believing that God didn’t give me this gift to fail. To this day I am still working toward growing and getting things how I seen them, but not beating myself up for things not happening over night.

Over the course of the past 3 years I have learned that building a successful business takes time. Just keep being productive, consistent, organized, focused, and ready to take risk!!!

Soulful Plates LLC is here to stay, and it’s room for us and many others. We’re not only here preparing food, but we look forward to providing you with an exceptional and unforgettable dining experience.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love the beach feel, so we would have to visit the Santa Monica Pier, and since we have children we would let them enjoy some time at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Lots of time would be spent sightseeing and on the Walk of Fame. For dinner definitely would eat at the best Soul Food in L.A.

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?
Most importantly God, because he didn’t give me the spirit of fear and once I believed and trusted that, I stepped out and I’m going for it all. Also, a huge shoutout to my husband, our children, my family, and each one of my supporters that placed an order or purchased with Soulful Plates. If I didn’t have you all, I wouldn’t be almost 4 years in. Thank you so very much, and I appreciate your support and encouragement!

Instagram: www.instagram.com/soulful_platesllc

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

Image Credits
Personal photos-Q11 Photography Food photos-Lakita Jones(myself)