Today we’d like to introduce you to Joy Crystal Powell.
Hi Joy Crystal, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It all started when I couldn’t find anyone to cater my birthday brunch. I went on a search for chefs and caterers in my area. To my luck I just couldn’t find what I was looking for. Pricing was either too much to not include what I wanted or too low for comfort that it made me think of the saying “ it’s just too good to be true” lol so with that being said DIY it is! From me catering my own birthday brunch led to my guests inquiring on “who did the food, who decorated etc etc. My sister even asked me to cater her next business event. And without hesitation I told her “No”! I’m not cooking for more than 5 people! Haha but I actually ended up making 2 of what is now my most popular dips. The Cajun Seafood Dip and The Spinach & Artichoke both served in bread bowls along with other various hors d’oeuvres. From that event someone else asked me to cater for them… and from that event I gained even more clients!
Fast forward to the rise of Covid and everything just shutting completely down, I decided to offer various sweet treats and gifts. Because I offered delivery my business was considered essential. And from there everything just took off!
With a background in the medical field as well as culinary and entrepreneurship becoming a caterer was quite easy. I started taking various catering orders for small events. I also began to brush up on my culinary knowledge. From studying and working under renowned chef’s here in Nashville, Atlanta, Miami & New York is where I became more interested in the art, science, and culture of food. This is what peaked my interest in becoming a private chef!
I started to create menus and pairings for my catering clients on a smaller scale. I introduced meal planning and various chef services to them as well. This also contributed to me finding my specialty.
You know how back in high school, we had classes that we would say “ I’m never going to use this in the real world”… Well that class for me was interior designing. Being a designer was no where on my bingo card, so I thought… but that class is the reason I have such an eye and nitch on decorating and setting a table.
Fast forward to today, I am grateful to say my business has flourished tremendously! I have cooked for celebrities, politicians and some of the most wonderful, down to earth southern tourists. I also became a traveling chef. To where now I am able to travel and offer this experience across the country! As I am still working to elevate and expand. I absolutely love giving not only delicious and cultural food but an experience as well. Which is where The Joy Crystal Experience ignites.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
So far so good! Of course I’ve learned things through trials and tribulations. From staffing, traveling, proper food preparation for events, listings and shopping. Even how to watch out for the scammers and embracing the “ all money ain’t good money” antics…But the major struggles I’ve encountered were more along with me being a perfectionist and wanting everything done right. It means a lot for every client of mine to leave with a wonderful experience to reflect back on!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in Fine Dining with a Southern Twist. This is where I take fine dining components along with southern flavors and intertwine the two. I also elevate classic southern dishes to a fine dining level. I pride myself on giving my clients a nutritional and cultural experience with the cuisine. Also entertaining and educating them through various cooking techniques and demonstrations.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Nashville is vastly growing which is superb for my business! Only disadvantage this has is traffic lol
Contact Info:
- Instagram: TheJoyCrystalExperience_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1GwwcrER2y/?mibextid=wwXIfr
