Today we’d like to introduce you to Valerie Ramos.
Hi Valerie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I would like to start off by saying thank you for this interview.
I am a single mother of 3 children. I have a full-time job and now have my small business.
Val’s seafood kitchen started During Covid 2019. My job was very slow with work, with my job you could only work so many hours, and with us not having work there was not much I could do. I have 3 small children; bills weren’t stopping and I was finding myself getting discouraged because I couldn’t provide for my children like I wanted to. I thought to myself maybe I can sell something. Everyone loves food so I thought to myself maybe I could sell food. Seafood was my favorite at the time although I had only made it a handful of times. I made a post on Facebook as too who would buy from me. My first time, I had 25 orders! I see that people had really enjoyed it, so I started selling every weekend. I never would have thought to call it my business until a friend of mine, very thankful for her and a few more. Invited me to a big event held in Dallas called the dfwgirlplugexpo. That is when I officially became Val’s seafood kitchen!
Never in a million years did I think anyone would enjoy my food. This July will be one full year with my business as “Val’s seafood kitchen” & honestly, I could not have did it without God, my children, and my mother by my side. They are my reason.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. I have had my share of a few bad events. Especially in the beginning of my business, with me making orders for people, then not picking up so then I am left with food either going to waste or trying to resell. I’m thankful for it all though because it made me better at what I do. I feel as though, you will always have those small bumps in the road, but that’s what will make or break you. If you can get through those small bumps, then you can push yourself to get through anything that comes your way in life.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Val’s Seafood Kitchen?
I would say I am known for my seafood boils! Being at events and no one else sells what I sell sets me apart from a lot of people. I would say the thing I am most proud about of my business is my customers. I wouldn’t be where I am at without them. That alone gives me the greatest feeling because they give me the opportunity to serve them and they trust me with preparing that for them.! I sell anything from shrimp and crab boils to mean Cajun seafood mac & cheese as well as Cajun seafood pasta! & If you have not had the chance to try some of “Val’s seafood “then you are missing out.
Also, What I would want my readers to know is, if you’re going for something, strive for it. If anyone would have told me 5 years ago, I would be here right now, I would not have believed it. You can only have 1 or 2 jobs but being your own boss! You can have multiple businesses running. I am proud of my business and how far it has come within this 1st year.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I would hope to see myself in a restaurant or maybe even a small storefront of just having people come by and enjoy my food. That is definitely on my future goals list.
Pricing:
- Shrimp bags $30
- Snow crab bags $45
- Lobster plate $22
- Personal Cajun seafood mac&cheese $55
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Valerieramos4194
- Facebook: Val Ramos
