Today we’d like to introduce you to Denisse Lopez.
Hi Denisse, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
If you were to ask me seven years ago if I ever imagined doing cooking as a career, I would of said no. It wasn’t until I found myself one year into my business admin degree, not happy. I didn’t feel like it was what I meant to do. It wasn’t until my father suggested my hobby as a career that I started to dive into Culinary Arts. I was intrigued by all of it, the coats, the knife skills, the art, the aromas, the creative thinking. As you can imagine, I applied to culinary school, got accepted, and six years later, have started my own meal prep business. I’ve worked in resorts, banquets, fine dining but I always knew I wanted to work for myself. Always surround yourself with people who are smarter than you cause you will always get better. My mentors planted a seed, and I made it bloom. I started meal prepping for one person, which blossomed into me reaching out to a local gym that had just started up in the east side that took a chance on me, which now led me to having an article on Voyage Austin. It has been a wonderful journey to see an idea become reality.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Definitely not! There was a lot of self-doubts, of course. Do I have what it takes to own a business? Do I know everything there is to know about owning a business? Can I run a one-woman show? One thing I have learned since starting is to remain a student, always. Ask, learn from people who have experience, and it will get hard but don’t give up.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I don’t really have a specialty, I’ve worked really hard in indulging myself in all aspects of anything culinary. I have worked in fine dining, banquets, volume, serving, front of house, I have even created a vegan pork rind before they were a thing with a friend. I want to say I am known for my personality, I like to build relationships with my clients and keep everything transparent with my business. One great thing about owning a small business and that you can still add that personalization to it and that is something people enjoy. I am most proud of just taking the entrepreneurial journey itself, coming from a border town, journeys like these seem impossible, all it takes is determination. As I mentioned earlier, what sets me apart is those relationships I build with my clients, I ask how their week has been, I write personal messages on their delivery bags, I make sure they are taken care of. People want to be more than just a transaction, and I truly enjoy making people happy.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Being relentless. I think having the drive to keep going forward no matter the circumstance is important. I’ve learned to solve problems quicker than I have before, ask for help when I need it, or learn to adjust where need be. As I said before, Remain a student always.
Pricing:
- Basic meals 10 for $90
- 15 for $130
- 20 for $ 170
- Risky Meals 10 for $100
- 15 for $140
Contact Info:
- Email: denisselopez44@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/eliteperformancemealprep
Image Credits
@johannamphotography @tejaswolfpack
