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

Hi Tj, looking back, what do you think was the most difficult decision you’ve had to make?
The most difficult decision I’ve had to make was quiting a job that I loved to Pursue my own dreams. However I must say it was one of the best decisions I’ve made

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?
What sets you apart from others?

What sets me apart from others is my work ethic. I am committed to offering the best service and mouth watering flavors in creative ways. Seeing people enjoy my food is the most humbling reward and the reason why I do what I do.

What are you most proud of or excited about?

Receiving my degree is what I am most proud of because I proved to myself that I could definitely do whatever I put my mind to. However what I am most excited about is seeing my business blossom into what I have envisioned.

How did you get to where you are today professionally?

I was struggling to figure out what I wanted to do in life for a while , but I’ve always had a passion for cooking. In 2016 I decided to enroll in Los Angeles Trade-Technical College where I took on culinary arts. In 2019 I began selling plates in Los Angeles under the name Tjs Victory Kitchen/Catering using a cycling menu serving some of your favorite dishes seafood platters, bbq platters, gumbo and more.

Was it easy?

In the beginning it was challenging because I hadn’t been in school for 16 years. But once I over came that obstacle, I was able to earn my degree and finally focus on the art of cooking of which came naturally.

What were the lessons you learned along the way?

The lessons I’ve learned so far to take pride in your work and never try to cut corners. Always trust the process.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

At Tjs Victory Kitchen, we strive to make an impact in our local communities and in our industry by providing great tasting food at reasonable prices as well as servicing all your catering needs.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My itinerary would consist of these things Depending on which day they got in I’d first wanna give them time to unwind in settle in so I’d just have a dinner planned and our first stop would be
-Stevens Stake house because of of their prime A1 stake & OMG their king crab I love the way that they cut it up and sauteé it in their garlic butter it’s so delicious!!!!
The next morning we would hit up M’Dears their breakfast is spectacular there butter milk pancakes are to die for as well as their home made lemonade and I would insist that my friend try their desserts from their different selections all guaranteed to leave your mouth watering
We’d go to Santa Monica Pier for not only the view but for some fun in the sun the rides and games plus you’ll never know what kind of talent you’ll have a chance at seeing while walking the pier and let’s not mention the California sunset it so beautiful while chilling by the water and maybe catching a few waves!.
Last but definitely not least one of my favorite things to do is go skating. I mean who wouldn’t want to stay in shape while having fun we’d go to Skate Express in Chino.
We’d also go bar hoping in Hollywood as they have so many dope bar to choose from so why just pick one when we can hike around.
Let’s not forget bowling I love bowling a time to have fun have some drink and be competitive. I would end the trip with a day of wining and dinning my friend with their favorite dish made by yours truly sending them back home with nothing else to think about other than Tjs Victory Kitchen. I mean don’t get me wrong they’ll definitely talk about all the dope places and activities we visited, but my meals are guaranteed to stand out. So yeah that would sum it up other than just hanging out chilling in the back yard with a few drinks and our feet kicked up.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would have to say my cousin from Dallas Texas sharee owner of kloset_blvd on ig she keeps me motivated and encourages me to give my all in everyday life.

Instagram: _cheftj

Facebook: Tj houston

Other: Email tjs.vk19@gmail.com

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