Today we’d like to introduce you to Nekeisha Service.
Hi Nekeisha, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi, my name is Nekeisha Lavende-Service, and I am originally from Trinidad and Tobago. I now live in the Dallas-Ft Worth area with my family. Years ago, my husband and I graduated from Christ for the Nations Institute (Dallas), and today, we serve in various capacities in the local church. Additionally, in 2015, I graduated from the Ft. Worth Culinary School, where I received classical chef training, and graduated with national honors.
In 2011, my husband and I lost our first child, Abigayle, due to stillbirth. She was a child of promise, and after the loss, we created a non-profit organization in her honor (The Abigayle Initiative (T.A.I)). The Abigayle Initiative (T.A.I) is a multi-armed ministry; that provides the following programs and services: community outreach, local and international short-term missions, food preparation & training, conferences, and workshops to create awareness about infant and child loss. October is Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month, and we host an annual conference to support families who experience these losses.
To date, T.A.I is in 27 different counties through partnership and support. Some of these countries include Sri Lanka, India, Cameroon, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago. Additionally, we have served nationally by collaborating with other nonprofits and churches. Some of our programs include feeding outreaches here in Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, Oklahoma City, and New Orleans.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road. Like many start-ups, we have had our fair share of challenges: failed promises, ignorance of logistics and processing, and common human errors. Still, it has been nothing short of an adventure so far.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a chef by trade, and as mentioned before, I graduated from the Ft. Worth culinary school in 2015. I grew up in the twin island republic of Trinidad and Tobago, a melting pot of different cultures. I was already versed in the diverse culinary offerings of my country, but after my stint at the Ft. Worth Culinary School, I can create multiple fusions of different meal preps from many regions of the world.
As a culinary creator, my clients and friends say that my meals have a distinct taste, style, presentation, and flavor.
I am proud of having been able to use my gift to give hope and joy to others, and I believe that what sets me apart is my faith and my love to see others experience positive life changes.
What do you think about luck?
I don’t believe in luck; however, I believe in faith. Challenges can make or break you, but with faith in God, we can overcome them, regardless of the outcome.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://theabigayleinitiative.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_abigayle_initiative/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064442783605
