Today we’d like to introduce you to Taina Escalera.
Hi Taina, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am originally from a small town, known as Humboldt, in TN. I moved to Nashville in 2017 to further my college education and be exposed to better opportunities. I originally went to college for Business, but I soon realized cooking was where my heart was.
Cooking has always been a passion of mine, which I started at a very young age. I wanted to educate myself more on the culinary background, so I decided to pursue school to further develop the knowledge and skills needed to be an expert chef. Luckily, I graduate in November 2026! As far as my business, I decided to take it really seriously as I posted my content and got so much great feedback from it. In 2019, I opened up my food business, Bronjour’s Kitchen, and started selling plates consistently. I was sold out instantly! The business did so well, I traveled out of town and sold out too. Fortunate to say, Bronjour’s Kitchen is still going strong here in 2026. I’ve received so many great opportunities. I’ve been fortunate enough to experience working in a fine dining restaurant, food prep for athletes, set up food for news stations, and work with celebrities and provide them with good food. Cooking has opened up so many amazing doors for me as I’m always looking forward to what’s next. I am BLESSED.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it hasn’t always been a smooth road.
Entrepreneurs take risk. Business is like a roller coaster. Sometimes it’s up, sometimes it’s down. But, you have to believe in yourself and keep a tunnel vision and see things that others may not understand. It’s truly not for everyone. However, there is light at the end of the tunnel if you believe in yourself and keep going.
Some of the struggles I’ve encountered was slow business at times.. but consistency will soon show you results. Always be willing to pivot if needed and keep pushing forward no matter the outcome.
Never give up because patience is virtue.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a professional chef.
I have many things I do with this title.
I own a food business, I’ve set up for news stations, I’ve encountered and cooked for celebrity clients, I am present and creative in fine dining restaurants, and so much more.
I specialize in many things. All types of food! International cuisine has been such a fun, favorite experience.
I am known for cooking with love and it being shown in my dishes.
I am most proud of the many things I’ve already accomplished and looking forward to achieving more.
What sets me apart from others is my creativity, ambition, and blessed hands. I am truly blessed and fortunate to be me. I give 100% credit and thanks to God. He has led me in directions I didn’t understand yet, but I trusted Him and kept going. It led me to some of my greatest moments.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Believe in yourself.
There will be many people who may not understand you or your journey, but choose growth anyway. Continue to move forward and trust the process. Results may not always come quickly and easy, but the greatest results take time. Even when things slow down, keep a tunnel vision and continue to move forward.
Trust God.
This is the first and most important step. He will lead you in the right direction. Pray over all your plans and dreams. If He doesn’t give you what you want, it’s because something better is in store. Continue to walk with Him, trust Him, keep your heart in the right place, and always give thanks.
Do your research.
Don’t just jump out without a plan. It’ll save you from making unnecessary mistakes. Research. Research. Research. It can save you so much time, money, and energy. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. It so much useful information out here. Find it!
Be willing to release, detach, and separate.
There will be many people and things that you’re familiar with now that won’t make it to your next level with you. Understand that this is necessary to elevate. You won’t understand it in the process, but it will make so much sense later. Isolation/separation really does cause elevation. When you improve yourself, so will your environment. Always be willing to adjust to new conditions.
Avoid paying attention to who doesn’t support.
Many people let lack of support from family, friends, or familiar faces discourage them. Know that your biggest supporters will be people that genuinely want to see you succeed and strangers who believe in you. God will send you people that will support you and help get you to the next level. Focus on the ones that do and not the ones that don’t.
Promote.
You are your platform. Always be willing to promote yourself and put yourself out there. It can bring you some of the most amazing opportunities and connections. You never know who’s watching.
There isn’t much I can directly say I wish I would’ve known when starting out (there is always helpful information that can be passed on.) I’ve always trusted God and knew He had a plan for me. I maybe wish I would’ve started sooner, but God knew when the time was right. Sometimes, He won’t bless you until you walk into the version of yourself that’s meant to live what He has planned.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bronjours.kitchen
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bronjourskitchen/?http_ref=eyJ0cyI6MTc5MTQxMTA1MDAwMCwiciI6IiJ9
