Meet Lanika Doyle of Southern Twist Catering in Rowlett

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lanika Doyle.

Lanika, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Southern Twist was established in November 2016 after my cousin, Adrian Richardson, who is also a business owner in Houston/Dallas, TX (She’s Happy Hair) asked me to cater a local event his company was hosting called the “Happy Experience” for the first time in Dallas. At first, I was hesitant because I was in my senior year of college and my stress level was at its highest! Being the cook of the family for all our family functions, and just the passion I have for cooking itself, he gave me encouraging words which motivated me to take on the task. Now, if I said I was completely prepared for this event, I would be fooling myself! Thankfully, I made it through the event and even got a lot of positive and constructive feedback that still almost three years later, I still reflect on.

As of 2019, Southern Twist Catering is still flourishing, networking, and servicing the Dallas/Fort Worth areas. Since establishing, Southern Twist now offers weekly meal prep services that cater to all meal types, preferences, and diets, to go along with its catering services. Offering catering services for all event types: family gatherings, banquets, parties, weddings, etc.

Great, 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?
With any new and upcoming small business, of course, there are struggles. Fortunately, the struggles Southern Twist has endured are the “expected” struggles; slow business!!! It’s common, especially in the catering business we experience periods when business isn’t as busy. It can get discouraging at times, but knowing slow business doesn’t mean NO business helps to continue to motivate.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Southern Twist Catering – what should we know?
Southern Twist – When thinking of a name for my business, I wanted something catchy, but more importantly, I wanted a name to represent me! Being from Louisiana, where we are known for our southern cooking, I knew I wanted to incorporate that as well. To be honest, there isn’t a food I can’t make or a specific preference or diet I can’t cater to! I’m known for adding that ‘Southern Twist’ to the food I prepare… if I had to choose one dish I was known for, I would definitely say it would have to be my Seafood Gumbo/Chicken Sausage Gumbo for sure!!!

As for my company, I am proud that Southern Twist has made a name for itself in the Dallas metroplex… with all the competition around the city, I am proud that Southern Twist is gaining a positive reputation.

Being a GIRL boss and the owner/operator of Southern Twist, that sets me apart with that alone. There aren’t many women bosses period… I hope to be an inspiration to other woman bosses as well just by knowing that we too can own and operate a business along with daily life.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I feel like honesty is very important to my success… if I am unable to accommodate an event, I am very upfront about it. The type of service I offer is important, so I definitely believe it getting it right and all the way right the first time.

Contact Info:

• Phone: 469.212.2607
• Email: ms_nika2@yahoo.com
• Instagram: Southern Twist Catering
• Facebook: Southern Twist Catering

Image Credit:
Jennifer Allen with Jennifer Allen Photography

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