Today we’d like to introduce you to Candice Hampton.
Hi Candice, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up in Huntingdon, a small town just outside of Memphis, Tennessee. Growing up in the South, cooking alongside my mom, grandmothers, and aunts had a profound impact on me from a young age. My family was big on traditions—cookouts, benefits, and all kinds of gatherings were a regular part of our lives. That sense of togetherness shaped who I am and how I cook.
It wasn’t until college that my passion for cooking truly began to take root. Funny enough, my best friend was actually the better cook at the time, but I learned a lot from her. She was honest, always telling me when something needed work, and that helped me refine my skills. I kept the tradition of home alive in college by creating a space where people could come together for meals. We even gave it a name—The Sunday Spot—and nearly every Sunday, we gathered at my place to eat, laugh, and enjoy each other’s company.
In 2013, I launched my first small business, Food for Five, offering homemade plates with one meat, two sides, and a drink for just $5. It was a way to help other students who couldn’t afford expensive dining hall meals, while still doing what I loved. Although I paused the business to focus on school, the passion never left me. As graduation approached, I started an outreach effort called Feed the Homeless Project in Memphis. With help from friends, we’d collect donations, cook meals, and distribute them in the park almost every other month. When I relocated to Dallas, I hoped to continue the project, but soon realized it required more paperwork than I anticipated. So instead, I began preparing meals and distributing them quietly on holidays, still finding ways to give back.
While I continued hosting gatherings in Dallas, my growing career in sales led me to move again, and I slowly drifted from cooking as consistently. But the passion never left—it was just waiting for the right time. In October 2022, I returned to Dallas and reconnected deeply with God. That renewed relationship made everything clearer: my true purpose is to serve others through cooking.
In August 2024, Candi’s Kitchen LLC was born—this time with deeper meaning, stronger faith, and a heart full of purpose. I’m here today because of God’s grace. He never let me lose the love or the gift He gave me. He’s affirmed my calling time and time again—through the joy on people’s faces, their words of encouragement, and the peace I feel when I’m cooking. This is more than just food. It’s my ministry
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been a smooth journey at all. I’ve wrestled with understanding my “why” and figuring out exactly how to pursue it—and to be honest, I still struggle with it sometimes. It took a lot for me to get to where I am now. I’ve gone through different career paths, relocated, and even stepped away from cooking completely—only to realize that it’s what I truly love and was called to do.
One of the hardest parts was the financial struggle. I didn’t have enough to launch a business the way I imagined, but I chose to trust God and start anyway. The beautiful part is that even in the midst of that struggle, God affirmed me—through the joy on people’s faces when they tasted my food and the kind words they shared. That feedback gave me the strength to keep going.
For a long time, I felt like it was just me and God. I moved carefully, knowing I didn’t have a big team or a lot of resources. But I’ve come to realize that God is really the one in control—I’m just His sous chef. He’s the one running the show. When I was given the opportunity to cater an event, the help I needed showed up without me even asking. That was the moment I knew He was with me. Some of the things I thought were struggles, He had already worked out—I just needed to trust Him in the middle of it all.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Candi’s Kitchen is a Christ-led business built on using our God-given gifts to serve others. We are your go-to destination for delicious, home-cooked meals made with pure love, joy, and care. Specializing in soulful, flavorful dishes made from the finest ingredients, we’re here for busy professionals, families, or anyone craving restaurant-quality meals from the comfort of home. Whether it’s a personalized meal prep or an everyday plate, our menu offers something for every taste and need. Let us bring the joy of cooking to your table—so you can enjoy more of life’s moments that matter most.
I specialize in soul food, and my signature dishes—southern greens, mac and cheese, and pot roast—are made with love, care, and a whole lot of prayer. My cooking style is simple, yet thoughtful, and I take pride in every dish I prepare. I pay close attention to the details, because I believe that’s what makes each meal special.
My passion for cooking was born in my family’s kitchen, nurtured by generations of love, laughter, and tradition. I’m most proud of the journey it’s taken to get here—the highs and lows, the lessons, the blessings, the tears and the triumphs. That’s what has shaped me, and that’s what lives in every meal I serve.
At Candi’s Kitchen, it’s never just about the food. It’s about the full experience. I care deeply about the service you receive and the feeling you take with you. Because what’s good food without good service? When you taste Candi’s Kitchen, I want you to feel the love in every bite.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is that God is proud of me for walking in His will and using the gift He gave me to serve others. My greatest hope is that every person who enjoys a meal from Candi’s Kitchen can feel the love, care, and time that went into preparing it. By God’s grace, I continue to grow and perfect my craft—not for recognition, but so that people can truly experience the heart behind the food.
With each meal I create, I want to share warmth, comfort, and familiarity. I want my food to make people feel at home—to remind them of laughter, joy, and the kind of love you feel sitting around your grandparents’ table during the holidays. I want people to taste and feel the love in every bite.
For me, it’s not just about cooking—it’s about creating an experience. From the food to the service, every part of Candi’s Kitchen is rooted in love, and that experience is what means the most to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.thecandibrand,com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecandibrand_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565024442249
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@candis.kitchen
Image Credits
Nate Bush Photography
