Today we’d like to introduce you to Amaya Ford.
Hi Amaya, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I had a great childhood growing up but I think the turning point for me in life was becoming a mother and married all by 20 years of age. I went through a lot during that time period and ended up becoming a divorced, single mother by the age of 22. Because my parents worked very hard to provide an easy-going life for me; I wanted (and continue) to do the same for my daughter. I knew that when I put my Faith and Trust in God, my life started turning around for the better. I started my small business in 2018; I currently hold two degrees (Bachelor’s in Culinary Management & Masters in Restaurant & Hospitality Management); I work Full-Time for myself; my daughter and I have a great relationship; and I am getting married to an amazing man this July. Fairytales in books seem so hard to obtain but when I listened to God and followed His plan, my fairytale has and continues to come true everyday.
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?
I don’t think there has ever been a smooth road when running a small business. Starting off, I was focused on school and had no time for business. Then I was going through a lot at my full time job. I struggled to balance being a working mom and spreading myself thin. I wanted to be great at everything, but I learned I have to give myself a break or I am going to break.
We’ve been impressed with Mya’s Catering Company, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Mya’s Catering Company bakes nostalgic desserts with love in every bite. We are a family bakery that specializes in a range of traditional desserts. From cookies, to cakes and custom orders, made to order with love and care. With so many bakeries trying to outdo each other with non-traditional flavors and desserts; we keep it simple by offering traditional, made from scratch desserts that bring happiness, warmth and love.
We are in the business of helping families connect through traditional, nostalgic desserts. Which aid in strengthening relationships and generational bonds. We want our customers to take a bite of our desserts and think back on what makes them happy, brings them warmth and love and share that with the people around them.
I wanted to start my own business because I grew up watching my Grandpa cooking, baking and running his own businesses. We shared a connection of food and that has always stuck with me. My daughter and I share that same connection and I wanted to create something that I could pass down to her. Family and traditions mean everything to me. Because of this, our recipes are either passed down or a unique ask from a family member. We are grateful to be able to share or treats throughout San Diego and across the country.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
COVID-19 solidified why I started my business. So many people were shut in and forced to stay home. Thus causing them to miss out on family fun, hanging with friends and just much needed social human interaction. I learned that people relied on food to bring them happiness and comfort through this troubling time; and that was my mission before the pandemic hit. To help people show their love for their family, friends, etc. through desserts.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@myascateringcompany.com
- Website: www.myascateringcompany.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myascateringcompany
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myascateringcompany
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MyasCateringCo_
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZRoE1Z1UYve-U6ggOopTGA
Image Credits
Kathy Chappell
Conita Butts
