Today we’d like to introduce you to Yana Michelle Simms.
Hi Yana Michelle, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve been in the kitchen for as long as I can remember. I was a shy kid, not the most social, so cooking was where I felt comfortable and creative without having to talk much. Petite Eats really started back in 2016 when I was living in DC, catering by myself and doing dessert tables for radio stations, events, and community gatherings. I didn’t know it then, but those little gigs were the start of something bigger.
I’ve worked all over hospitality, including teaching culinary arts, but Petite Eats has always been the thread running through everything. As the business grew, it became more than food. I built the entire brand myself, from the packaging and visuals to the marketing, website, and customer experience. That’s where I really fell in love with branding and creative direction. It let me blend everything I’m good at: flavor, storytelling, and design.
I made Petite Eats official in 2024, and since then I’ve expanded into cookies, cookbooks, and new products that feel fun, thoughtful, and accessible. The brand is still growing, and I’m excited to keep building something that reflects my creativity, my community, and the joy that got me started in the first place.
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?
Definitely not smooth. I built Petite Eats from scratch with no blueprint, so I had to learn everything as I went. I was juggling full-time work while trying to figure out branding, packaging, marketing, operations, all by myself. There were plenty of moments where I felt overwhelmed, but each challenge taught me how to adapt, stay focused, and keep growing the business piece by piece. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s made me sharper and more confident in what I’m building.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I wear a few hats in my professional life, but they all connect back to creativity and experience. With Petite Eats, I specialize in cookies, bite-sized treats, and approachable recipes that feel nostalgic and thoughtful. I’m known for my flavor combinations, clean branding, and the way I package and present every product with intention.
Outside of the kitchen, I handle all of the marketing, branding, and creative direction for the business myself. I design the visuals, build the website, create the product concepts, and develop the storytelling behind the brand. That work has opened the door for me to take on design and UX projects as well, which gives me another outlet to merge creativity with problem-solving.
What I’m most proud of is that I’ve built all of this from the ground up. Every recipe, every label, every design decision is something I taught myself. What sets me apart is my ability to bring together food, design, and storytelling in a way that feels personal, intentional, and accessible. I want people to experience something warm and memorable, whether they’re tasting a cookie or interacting with the brand online.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Most people are surprised to learn that I’m into birding. I like taking time to watch birds and be present. It’s the opposite of how busy my work can be, and I think it helps keep me grounded.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cateringpetiteeats.com
- Instagram: @cateringpetiteeats
- Other: https://yanamichelle.com
Image Credits
Zachshotit
Marli Frazier
