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

Hi Wyntesha, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?

Faith is my most valued life principle. To activate faith, you have to have a strong belief in something bigger than yourself. It’s beyond manifestation. My faith drives me, sustains me, and keeps me whole, especially during our current world climate.

I would have never started my business “SheCooks 24/7 Catering” if I didn’t allow faith to be a driving catalyst in my life. I would have allowed doubt and the little voices in my head that say you can’t or you shouldn’t lead the way instead of focusing on the possibility of what could be. Once I stepped out on faith and started, everything came together.  So I encourage anyone that has an idea, a dream, or a passion for something to start right where you are. Learn to tap into your faith and push through!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

SheCooks 24/7 is a full-service catering and event company.  We strive to set the standard in white-glove service at all times. I want your initial encounter always to be welcoming and your mind to be put at ease knowing you can trust my business with your vision.

I’ve been around the food business my entire life.  My grandmother owned a catering company called House of Osunji and my mother worked in food service in hospitals. I have always had a passion for cooking even before I was any good at it. Some of my fondest memories are of me experimenting in the kitchen and feeding my cousins. Until this day they will not let me live down my first attempt making omelets at the age of 8. It was a disaster but a lesson was learned that day and I learned to perfect an omelet after that. We still laugh about it.

Anytime that I travel I find a local chef to teach me an authentic dish so that I get hands-on training on the proper way to prepare their cuisine. Of course, the culinary school teaches you the fundamentals but I think there is nothing above the experience gained from learning from those who have generational expertise.

Food is my melody and I often compare it to music. I love how food and the fellowship over a good meal bring people from different walks of life together. You know that feeling you get when you take your first bite and it makes your taste buds move and you find yourself doing a little dance? I strive for that each time I create a meal. I want you to taste and feel that in every dish.  “The Secret Ingredient Is Always Love” when She Cooks 24/7 is on the menu. 

I’ve had the pleasure of cooking for sitting Mayors, Elected Officials, celebrities, and everyday people celebrating special moments. All my clients get white-glove service and a memorable culinary experience. At the start of the pandemic, it was a challenge to find ways to step outside of the box and keep the business afloat. I started offering meal preps, I designed and built a grill that allows me to bring the Korean BBQ experience to people’s homes.  It’s all been a rewarding adventure and I love doing what I do. I enjoy watching people savor the love that has been prepared and served on a dish for them.

I’m just getting started and I have so much further to go!

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 was born and raised here in the city of L. A however I am a homebody but I do get out to explore. I’ve found that when people visit the city of LA they always want to go to Hollywood so we’d start there so they can walk the stars and people watch. We could also go explore the selfie museums. L.A. is so big yet so small and has lots of hidden gems. It’s something for every taste. I love the ocean so we’d take a drive to Malibu enjoying the sights as we make our way. Burbank has this cute place called Castaway that sits atop a hill. If you’re not afraid of heights it’s a perfect place to get a freshly made charcuterie board and sip amazing cocktails.

You cannot come to L.A, without having street tacos and for me, I love this truck on Rosecrans and Figueroa that only comes out just before the sun sets and parks in a parking lot that houses a mechanic shop by day. They have some of the best carne asada tacos. I’m a huge fan of Korean BBQ however one of my favorite spots is hidden within the walls of Olympic Day Spa, pre-pandemic. We’d also have to go to Panini Grill. They have some amazing Mediterranean food.

We’d also take a drive to Palm Springs to enjoy some relaxation and their nightlife. People don’t know that Palm Springs is more than just retirement heaven. They have a pretty nice nightlife scene.

You know I’d have to wrap it up with a good church service on Sunday at Ministry of Reconciliation Church in Harbor City. It’s an intimate-sized church but the power of God and the Holy Spirit is mighty in that place. Followed up with a homemade Sunday dinner made by yours truly. It would include my signature Seafood Mac & Cheese, Collard Greens/Cabbage mix with smoked turkey, Honey Sweet Cornbread Cake, Brown Sugar Glazed Candied Yams, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, and whichever meat selection you choose. Or we’d have some Caribbean-style oxtails over rice with stewed beans, potato salad, and plantain.

You can wash it down with my fruit-infused fresh-squeezed lemonade.

Do you notice the trend of how all of my experiences circle back to food? Lol, I can’t help it, I often try new places just to get a taste and then replicate the meal. I can often taste the ingredients including the seasonings used to prepare a dish.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

First, I give thanks to Christ who strengthens me. When I think back over my life thus far, I’ve been truly blessed to encounter many earthly Angels. My mother exemplifies faith, perseverance, hard work, and what it means to love unconditionally. She has always been my prayer warrior, my encourager, my cheerleader & the first to check me if I get out of line. I have two younger brothers who are also my business partners in Pie On The Flyy our mobile pizza catering company who are my best friends, my confidants, and sounding boards.

My Grams who also owned a catering business when I was growing up showed me the dedication it requires to own your own business. Her work ethic to this day is unmatched, everything she touches is elevated with grace.

I have a daughter named KeiOnna who came into my life when she was 5 years old and is now 23 who gave me a broader perspective outside of me. Blood couldn’t have made our bond stronger. God used her to help me become the woman I am today – fearless and open-minded.

In my regular day to day for the last 20 years, I have worked for an amazing company UTA (United Talent Agency) who sent me on a culinary journey to Spain and Portugal where I trained with world-renowned chefs. I am forever grateful for those experiences. I stepped outside of my comfort zone in food, language, and techniques which caused me to grow tremendously in my craft, as well as a person.

I have an older cousin Imoye who has always taken the risk at life and trailblazing her way through to greatness. She too is an encourager, a sounding board for my many ideas, a secret keeper, and always willing to support me in my business ventures. She’s a jet setter along with my friend Barbara who won’t hesitate to hop on a flight in support of me and my dreams.

I have so many people who are praying for me to win at life, who root for me and believe in me no matter what I’m doing. When I say that I am truly blessed, I mean that from the bottom of my heart. I’ve encountered greatness in people, along every step of my journey thus far. Every lesson learned, every setback, any tear shed has been for the betterment of me & has helped me to become a better me. I am forever grateful!

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