Meet Trailblazer Aunna Douglas

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aunna Douglas.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Aunna. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I always had a passion for cooking, I grew up watching my mother and my stepmom cook and I always wanted to help and learn more. The older I got, the more I enjoyed learning how to cook new things and trying different techniques.

In 2015, I started my meal prep business “Aunna Mae’d It.” The business started off slow, and I eventually focused primarily on my corporate career in banking. In 2017, I met my fiancé Hardy and he pushed me to start pushing my business. Once he gave me that boost business has been steady I meal prep every week for many people over the DFW area.

For my fiancé and I, cooking was always a passion and has always been something we did together. He owns Hardeman’s BBQ & Catering, together we decided with both of our culinary backgrounds, that we would start our own company offering something different.

In 2019, we launched a catering company called “The Cooking Couple” we started the year off with a New Year’s Day brunch and have been hosting food events each month which has led to more and more business opportunities.

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?
The road definitely wasn’t smooth. I often felt like giving up or had a feeling like I was trying to thrive in an over saturated market. Also, I had to learn that not everyone will support you sometimes not even family and friends. My advice is that despite that you must keep going. Keep God first and understand that success comes with a lot of sleepless nights, being broke, and literally having to build it back up. The hardest part of having a business is literally HAVING A BUSINESS. As a woman, we sometimes don’t get as many opportunities as we should. When you’re a boss babe, you gotta TAKE the opportunities given or CREATE one. I still work my 9-5 in banking and successfully run both of my businesses. My goal now is to continue to inspire and empower other women to follow their dreams and know that regardless of their circumstances we’re all given the same 24 hours, it’s up to us what we do with them.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about The Cooking Couple and Aunna Mae’d It – what should we know?
I provide meal preps, catering services, private dining, and corporate events. I don’t have one single item that I specialize in, but some fan favorites are my seafood mac & cheese and my shrimp ‘n grits.

My brands have been built from the ground up, I’m most proud of the growth in both. But most importantly, I’m proud of the way my businesses have helped me grow as a woman.

What sets me apart from others is that I truly love cooking and it shows in my work.

Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
I have learned a lot from my Pastor Oscar D Epps of Community missionary Baptist church. His teaching has helped keep me grounded and at times messages have provided me the courage to continue on.

I listen to online sermons by Sarah Jakes as well as The WomenEvolve podcast , & I also keep up with Pastor Mike Todd from transformation church in Oklahoma.

Books:

Destiny by TD Jakes

The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Green

Fervent: A Womans Battle Plan to Serious, Specific and Strategic Prayer  by Priscilla Shirer

Pricing:

• Meal Preps start at 5 for $50
• Catering Services Vary- Contact For Quotes

Contact Info:

• Phone: 469-704-1497
• Instagram: @thecookingcouple_dallastx @AunnaMaedit
• Facebook: @AunnaMaedIt @ Hardy and Aunna The Cooking Couple
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/aunnamaelise/?hl=en

 Image Credit:
@tunnelvisionpro

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