Today we’d like to introduce you to Lakendra Davis.
Hi Lakendra, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My story really started in the kitchen. As a kid, I was obsessed with Food Network and constantly turning my mom’s kitchen upside down trying to recreate whatever I had seen on TV. Some of my favorite memories are cooking alongside my grandmothers on Sundays and during the holidays. Between them and my mom, who always found creative ways to make dinner feel special, food became so much more than something to eat. It became a way to show love and bring people together.
That passion led me to study culinary arts in high school and later attend culinary school after moving to Nashville. What started as a small weekend pop-up at the Nashville Farmers’ Market eventually grew into City Farm Co., a full-time catering business that opened doors I never could have imagined. I was fortunate to cook for incredible families, organizations, and people throughout Nashville who believed in me and helped me grow.
In 2020, I opened my first brick-and-mortar location in Marathon Village just as the pandemic began. It wasn’t the outcome I had hoped for, but it taught me resilience and led to opportunities I never saw coming, including appearances on Live with Kelly and Ryan and a Supermarket Stakeout on Food Network in 2021.
Looking back, I realize my journey has never really been about food alone. Whether it’s through a meal, an event, or a shared experience, I’ve always loved creating moments that connect people. At my core, I’m a creative who finds joy in bringing people together, building community, and turning ordinary moments into an event that tells a story.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Absolutely not. While I’ve had some amazing opportunities, there have been plenty of challenges along the way.
Building a business from a small weekend pop-up meant wearing every hat imaginable. There were seasons when I was the chef, marketer, bookkeeper, manager, and dishwasher all at once. As an entrepreneur, there is no roadmap. You learn through trial and error, and sometimes those lessons can be expensive.
One of the biggest challenges came in 2020 when I opened my first brick-and-mortar location in Marathon Village right as the pandemic began. Like so many small business owners, I had to navigate uncertainty, difficult decisions, and the reality that passion alone doesn’t guarantee success. Closing that chapter was heartbreaking because so much of myself was tied to what I had built.
Looking back, though, those struggles shaped me far more than the wins. They taught me resilience, creativity, and how to pivot when things don’t go according to plan. They also reminded me that my purpose was never tied to one business or one title. My passion has always been creating experiences that bring people together, and there are many ways to do that. Every setback pushed me closer to understanding that and gave me the confidence to keep evolving.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I started my career as a chef and entrepreneur, building City Farm Co. from a small pop-up into a full-service catering business. Over time, I realized what I loved most wasn’t just food, it was creating experiences and bringing people together. That passion led me into event sales, production, and coordination, where I continue to help create memorable moments for people.
More recently, I’m known for my work at Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery and for co-creating Crafted, a bi-monthly art exhibition that brings together local artists, musicians, and craft cocktails to celebrate Nashville’s creative community. alongside two of Nashville’s art curators.
What I’m most proud of is my resilience. I’ve had to pivot, reinvent myself, and take risks throughout my career, but every challenge has helped me grow.
What sets me apart is that I approach everything through the lens of connection. Whether it’s food, events, art, or hospitality, I love creating experiences that make people feel something. At the end of the day, I see my work as a way to tell stories, build community, and bring people together in meaningful ways.
What are your plans for the future?
I’m really excited about what’s next. In 2027, I’ll be launching The Caviar Collective, a caviar-focused event activation concept centered around elevated hospitality, culture, and memorable guest experiences.
I’m also looking forward to collaborating with more artists, musicians, curators, and creatives to produce experiences that bring people together and celebrate the incredible talent we have in Nashville. Projects like Crafted have reminded me how powerful community and collaboration can be.
More than anything, I’m excited to keep growing creatively. Every chapter of my career has looked a little different, but the common thread has always been creating meaningful experiences. I hope to continue building partnerships, telling bigger stories, and bringing people together in ways that leave a lasting impact.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @lakendrachristi
