Meet Andrew Watkins | Professional Chef & Small Black Business Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Andrew Watkins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andrew, what do you attribute your success to?
My business is based off providing excellent customer service, and always going above and beyond for my clients. I have worked in Hospitality & Hotel Management for 16 years, and that experience has helped me shape my business into the success it is today. My passion for cooking, meeting new people, and learning about new cultures has aided in the continued growth of expanding my thriving business.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Naturally I am a creative person when it comes to whatever I am involved in. My mind works in a such a unique with how my ideas come and my ability to bring them to life. Early in life my passion for cooking was sparked by learning from my mom and grandmother growing up. Fast forward today that creativity gave birth to my hospitality career, my three businesses and other future business ventures coming up. The one thing people need to understand about creatives is that our minds are always thinking, shaping, and trying to figure out new ways to do things. During the pandemic I was able to create my second business – online store brand with various items and a great logo. Lessons and challenges along the way have been plentiful and difficult to overcome at times. In creating all these opportunities, I wanted to make something to be proud of, and share with the world while making a comfortable lifestyle for myself in the process. My advice to anyone seeking to do the same – pace yourself and don’t give up!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Nashville has grown so much over the 10 years I have been here, so there is something to do for everyone. My favorites would be the African American Music Museum (shares history of music from 1800’s to present day), The Gulch – they have locally owned restaurants and shopping for tourists, Broadway downtown – lots of bars/restaurants, 5th & Broadway – new outdoor mall with great food, music, and shopping interests for all. Gaylord Opryland Mall and Hotel have tons of options from shopping, food, culture, and activities for visitors.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Over my career there have been numerous mentors and colleagues who have contributed to my overall success. Chad Henderson hired me and made sure he trained me to become the best manager and how to run a large department successfully. He asked me what my goals were and helped me execute a plan to reach them. Also, Shelly McLaughlin was awesome to work for. She taught me everything I needed to know about running a select brand Marriott Hotel, and learning skillsets needed to advance into higher level management. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their guidance, mentorship and investing into my
career.

Website: www.desmondscatering.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/desmonds_catering

Facebook: www.facebook.com/desmondscatering

Other: www.bgseclothing.com