Today we’d like to introduce you to Manoj Karyampudi
Hi Manoj, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
From Corporate Life to Culinary Dreams – The Story Behind Manoj Cooks
I’m Manoj, the owner and chef behind @Manoj_Cooks, a catering service that brings international cuisine, fine dining, and unforgettable culinary experiences to the table. I grew up in Maryland, just outside of Washington DC, where I first discovered my passion for cooking. My love for food was just a natural part of my life, something I enjoyed doing for family gatherings and friends. It wasn’t just about the meals—it was about creating memories and sharing moments through food.
For over 18 years, I pursued a career in the corporate sector, building skills in strategy, planning, and business problem-solving. But even with my professional success, one thing was always clear: my heart was in the kitchen.
Cooking was my true calling, and I always dreamed of starting my own business. Being an entrepreneur was always my dream, but it wasn’t until last year that I finally decided to take my passion to the next level. I created my Instagram profile, @manoj_cooks, to share my culinary creations and experiences. What started as a simple way to showcase my love for food quickly turned into a growing community of people who share my passion for international flavors, fine dining, and the art of cooking.
I’ve had the privilege of traveling all over the world to over 50 countries, and these experiences have greatly influenced my cooking and cuisine. I’ve been able to bring authentic, international flavors into my dishes, offering a wide range of culinary experiences to my clients. From intimate dinner parties to large-scale events, I’ve catered for clients across cities like Atlanta, the Washington DC metro area, Denver, Austin, and soon will be expanding to Nashville as well.
There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing the joy my food brings to others, whether they’re enjoying a meal at an event or seeing it online. It’s that joy that motivates me to keep growing @Manoj_Cooks, one dish at a time. My goal is simple: to create an experience, not just a meal.
It’s been an incredible journey so far, and I’m excited for what’s to come. From a kid with a passion for cooking to the owner of a growing culinary business, I’m proof, even at 41, that it’s never too late to pursue what you truly love.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the biggest struggles I faced was balancing my corporate career with my culinary ambitions. I worked long hours in the corporate world while also growing a business from scratch. There were moments I felt overwhelmed—trying to juggle both worlds was tiring.
Another struggle was getting my name out there. Starting a business from the ground up in an industry as competitive as catering meant that I had to work hard to build my reputation. In the beginning, I didn’t have the resources or the network that some established businesses did, so getting my first few clients felt like an uphill battle. But I kept pushing, knowing that if I could just get my foot in the door, the quality of my food and the experiences I offer would speak for themselves.
As I continued to grow @Manoj_Cooks, I also encountered challenges in refining my brand. Managing everything from social media content to client communication. There were a lot of trial and error moments, but each one taught me something valuable. Even while struggling with personal life challenges, I am definitely excited to continue through this journey.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
What sets me apart from others is the combination of strategic thinking, process improvement, and technology integration that I bring to the corporate table. I focus not only on solving immediate problems but also on setting businesses up for sustained growth and success. This unique skill set has been invaluable as I transition into my current venture, @Manoj_Cooks. The lessons I’ve learned in business strategy, efficiency, and process improvement are just as relevant in the food industry, where creating seamless, high-quality experiences for my clients is key to my success.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I’d love to share that my true passion has always been cooking and now having the ability to bring amazing food to peoples’ dinner table is so exciting for me. @Manoj_Cooks is the result of years of dreaming and building, with influences from over the globe shaping the dishes I create. What’s most fulfilling is connecting with people through food, whether at events or through social media. Seeing the delight my food brings drives me to keep testing flavors and keep cooking!
I’m focused on delivering exceptional culinary experiences and excited for the future of @Manoj_Cooks. I enjoy cooking with love, and am thrilled to be on this journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://manojkaryampudi.wixsite.com/manoj-cooks
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manoj_cooks?igsh=MTFuamZibW1vbWJleA==
Image Credits
N/A, taken from my own social media pages.
