Today we’d like to introduce you to Venise Tharpe.
Hi Venise, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Heeeeeyyyyy ya’ll. I’m Venise from Memphis TN, and now I reside in Dallas Texas. I’ve always believed that food brings people together. I’m 36 years old, and while I started cooking professionally 10 years ago, my love for cooking began when I was just 12 years old. Before launching my career as a chef, I spent years creating custom decorative cakes for birthdays, weddings, baby showers, and other special occasions. Those experiences taught me creativity, attention to detail, and the joy of being part of life’s biggest celebrations.
I’m completely self-taught, and every skill I’ve developed has come through passion, consistency, and a willingness to learn. My food business, The Comfort Table (formerly known as Sweet Eats by Venise), has grown organically through word of mouth and the power of social media. Today, we specialize in in-home private chef services, family meal prep, catering for all types of events, and creating memorable dining experiences for our clients.
Social media has also opened doors I never imagined. I create 60–90 second cooking tutorials that have reached millions of viewers around the world. It’s been incredible to see people recreate my recipes and connect through food.
About a year ago, I turned another passion into a business by launching Socially Yours, a self-taught social media management and content creation agency. What began as a passion quickly grew into a business dedicated to helping churches, businesses, artists, and brands strengthen their online presence. We create engaging content, manage social media platforms, produce high-quality video content, provide in-person and virtual social media training for church media teams, and develop customized brand strategies that help our clients connect with their audience and grow with purpose.
Looking back, everything I’ve built has been fueled by faith, hard work, and a genuine desire to serve people. Whether I’m preparing a family dinner, catering a large event, or helping a business tell its story online, my goal is always the same: to create experiences that leave a lasting impact.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Oh no, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road…it’s been a roller coaster. I truly believe that anytime you step out on faith and start a business, you’re going to face challenges. There have been really good months, and there have been months where I didn’t know where my next client was coming from. I’ve dealt with self-doubt, financial ups and downs, and the pressure that comes with wearing so many hats as a business owner. But through it all, God has sustained me. Every challenge has taught me something, made me stronger, and pushed me to keep going. Looking back, I wouldn’t change any of it because those difficult seasons helped shape the entrepreneur I am today. Every “no” made room for a better “yes,” and every obstacle reminded me that if God gave me the vision, He’s going to provide everything I need to fulfill it.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a creator at heart. As the owner of The Comfort Table (formerly Sweet Eats by Venise) and Socially Yours, I’ve built two businesses around my passions for food, creativity, and helping people. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to serve families, businesses, churches, artists, and brands while building both businesses primarily through word of mouth and social media.
In addition to entrepreneurship, I’m also a singer in the award-winning gospel group Vincent Tharpe & Kenosis, founded by my big brother, Vincent Tharpe. Through music, I’ve been blessed to travel and minister around the world. We’ve performed on tours, award shows, and studio recordings, provided background vocals for various artists, and released music that’s available on all major digital streaming platforms.
What sets me apart is that I’m completely self-taught. I didn’t have a traditional path, I learned by doing, staying consistent, and trusting God every step of the way. Everything I’ve built has come from passion, perseverance, and faith. Whether I’m creating a meal, producing content, or singing on stage, my goal is always the same: to use my gifts to serve others, inspire people, and leave a lasting impact.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I think one of the biggest misconceptions is that you have to have a formal mentor to be successful. While mentors are a blessing, I’ve learned that you can also be mentored by simply watching people who are where you want to be. Read their books, listen to their interviews, study their work, and pay attention to how they move.
As far as networking, I’ve learned that relationships are everything. Don’t focus on what someone can do for you, focus on building genuine connections. Be kind, support other people’s work, and don’t be afraid to introduce yourself. Some of the best opportunities I’ve had came from people who simply remembered my work ethic and consistency.
Most importantly, pray and ask God to connect you with the right people. Every relationship isn’t meant for every season, and I’ve learned that God has a way of placing the right people in your life at the right time. Stay teachable, stay humble, and never stop learning.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/venise.tharpe_cooks.down_?igsh=YXNqMWc4OGs4anA4&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EUg8s6gip/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@venise_cooks_down?si=q1erMse5xysL_K13
