Today we’d like to introduce you to Ciera Phillips.
Ciera, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have always enjoyed cooking and planning events or small gatherings for family and friends. As I got older, I found myself not being able to find exclusive interactive events for young minorities, so I wanted to create those experiences. Outside of being a caterer and private chef, in February 2021, I began to host bi-monthly events in the Dallas metroplex that include cooking classes and paint classes but of course, all centered around food and a good time. I consider these events to be very exclusive because of the crowd size, location selection, and variety of food. Being able to bring an experience to Dallas that specifically caters to the young adult crowds that allow them to attend a cooking class or painting experience that they will enjoy is my ultimate goal.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I can honestly say the planning of each event has been smooth, but the only challenge I faced was having to completely postpone my first event, which was scheduled for April 2020. Due to COVID, I had to seek alternatives to still interact with the guests and keep them excited for the upcoming events, and it paid off tremendously. February 2021, I was able to finally host my first cooking class right in time for Valentine’s Day. After the cooking class, I curated the Taste N Paint in April 2021. The next Taste N Paint is already scheduled for June 5th, 2021.
We’ve been impressed with Monroe’s Culinary Studio, 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?
Years of experience in the culinary field, which include private dining, hosting private cooking classes, and creating culinary experiences. I specialize in a variety of cooking styles allowing a bespoke menu to be created for each event. My goal for Monroe’s Culinary Studio is to continue to expand by creating spaces for people to come enjoy great food, have a great time, and experience a great vibe everytime. What sets me apart from other chefs is that I not only focus on the food but ensure your entire culinary experience is memorable.
I’m in the process of transitioning to a full-functioning creative space for other chefs and guests to utilize for private dinners, engagement proposals, showers, etc, in order to step out of the kitchen and focus on creating the experience as much as possible. The space will in bishop arts and available for rent on august 15th. I offer catering, private dining, private classes and event space which will include a skydeck looking directly at the Dallas skyline.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Organization, time management, respect, and acknowledgement are all huge components for me because the culinary industry is forever changing, but I have to communicate with a variety of businesses and clients for my business to continue to grow. Staying organized will eliminate most mishaps when it comes to planning for an event. Time management allows for everything to be done accurately without rushing. Respect and acknowledgement is very important to me because I cant execute every event or dinner alone, so I always acknowledge other businesses, their contribution and respect their goals as well.
Contact Info:
- Email: monroesculinarystudio@gmail.com
- Website: WWW.MONROESCULINARYSTUDIO.COM
- Instagram: @MONROESCULINARYSTUDIO
- Facebook: MONROE’S CULINARY STUDIO
