Meet Queen S Katsuta

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Queen S Katsuta. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

QUEEN S, sincerely appreciate your selflessness in agreeing to discuss your mental health journey and how you overcame and persisted despite the challenges. Please share with our readers how you overcame. For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.

I haven’t fully overcome my mental health challenges; I’ve just persisted despite them. The past few months have been incredibly challenging for me, particularly after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, which was brought on by significant life changes. This difficult period included a recent breakup and the closure of my business. The downfall of my business stemmed from poor decisions made by individuals I trusted, which ultimately led me into a downward spiral of distress.. I believed I could manage everything by just working through it, but the stress only made things worse, especially with my boyfriend, who was also my business partner. The stress of the business took its toll on us, leading to misplaced trust in the wrong people. However, nothing compares to the pain of a betrayal of the heart.

As a mother, quitting isn’t an option—I have others depending on me. When your mind feels overwhelmed and your will to live is tested, it can be incredibly difficult. I don’t see my struggles as something I can escape from; although I have unwittingly took too many of my medications in an attempt to numb the pain. My heart was hurting so much that I just wanted the suffering to stop. I longed for my heart to stop loving what I could not have, wishing to sleep and escape the agony of lost love. My body has endured so many challenges in such a short time, but my heart has taken the hardest hit. Just weeks prior to this, I experienced for the first time in my life of over 40 years, a severe anxiety attack that escalated into a panic attack, leading to a hospital stay of several days. I was informed that I was experiencing a condition known as broken heart syndrome, which feels and looks exactly like a heart attack. will always be a part of me. Even if I heal from the trauma, the experience has shaped who I am.

I’ve learned that you can either grow from your pain or let it consume you. Now that I have a better grasp of what’s happening within me, I appreciate where I am in life. It’s helped me understand that many people are hurting, and it’s often easier to hurt others than to confront our own issues.

Every day has been a struggle—getting out of bed, going to work, dealing with skyrocketing anxiety, and feeling an overwhelming fear. Yet, I believe these challenges will ultimately make me stronger. I may not be where I want to be, but I trust that with time, I will get there. I’m focusing on today and what I’m striving for, and I know that’s enough for now.

I recognize that I need to let go of the past, but I’m not there yet, and that’s okay. I’m learning not to beat myself up for not overcoming certain obstacles—obstacles that have indeed broken me in some ways. Still, I see the potential for a meaningful story to share with my children and grandchildren. After all, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.And that’s one of the most important lessons I’ve learned: sometimes you have to let go of the version of yourself that you’ve grown too comfortable with. That version can become stagnant, disconnected from who you truly are. I’ve faced a lot of challenges, especially during my divorce and grappling with feelings from my childhood, like not belonging and the desperate need for love. I often found myself searching for love in all the wrong places.

Despite the pain from my recent breakup and the closure of my business, I still believe there’s a greater purpose for me. I may have lost a lot in the past, but I also have so much to gain. I still have my business, which allows me to share my love for creativity and create something unique and rewarding for others to enjoy.

Every day, I confront fears related to self-love and anxiety, which has become my new constant companion. I work hard to control my thoughts, navigating the daily struggles that sometimes feel overwhelming. Some days are worse than others, but the presence of these challenges serves as a constant reminder of my resilience. I can’t be too angry about the difficulties because they’ve taught me so much about myself and how strong I truly am. Each step I take, no matter how small, brings me closer to embracing who I am and the potential that lies ahead.
Hey, every day’s a fresh start; choose the person you wanna be,

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I appreciate the opportunity to share my story and what I’m currently focused on professionally. I run a catering business called Barbe-Queens Kitchen, where I express my passion for food and creativity. What excites me most about my work is the ability to bring people together through delicious meals and memorable experiences. It’s more than just catering; it’s about creating a sense of community and joy around the dining table.

This past year has been incredibly eventful, marked by significant challenges. In 2024, I faced betrayal, heartbreak, a medication-induced overdose and being admitted to a psych ward twice within a month. I lost my business, love, and my mental well-being all in one season. Despite it all, I remain optimistic, believing that what should have kept me down only broke me temporarily. I’m still standing, even if I’m limping, and I will forever march to the beat of my own drum to make this year mine. No one can pick up the pieces of my shattered dreams but me, and I am determined to piece them together for the sake of my children and our future.

In this journey, I’ve also been on a personal quest to reconnect with myself and navigate my emotions. I’m still figuring out how to process my feelings and embrace my new reality. This journey of self-discovery has been just as important as my business endeavors. I’ve taken some much-needed time for self-care and reflection, focusing on my inner womanhood, if that’s even a term.

As I continue to develop Barbe-Queens Kitchen, I’m excited about the upcoming events and initiatives I have planned. I look forward to expanding my brand and sharing my love for catering with even more people. I’m a self-taught chef with a passion for various cuisines, but I specialize in Polynesian dishes. My approach involves taking traditional recipes and giving them my own unique twist, shaped by my personal perception of the dish. I believe my cooking reflects my emotions, and right now, I’ve been quite emotional. Creating dishes that bring a smile or evoke a cherished memory in others is incredibly fulfilling. It’s rewarding to watch people enjoy my food and see the joy on their faces as they connect with a childhood memory or a special moment.

I want to share my love for my culture through my food and foster a sense of community. Catering allows me to do what I love: recreate dishes, decorate, and set beautiful tables. I also aspire to inspire young women, especially single mothers who often feel overwhelmed by the weight of their responsibilities. While being a single mom can be heavy, it also showcases our incredible strength and resilience. We carry this weight because it drives us and gives our lives profound purpose.

Ultimately, I want to spread love through my food, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to experience a delicious traditional Polynesian dish. I’m committed to catering to diverse needs, as serving others provides me with the greatest reward. I’m in the process of getting back up and out there, focusing on a few catering events and eager to book more for the rest of the year. No party is too small for me; I’m willing to travel and have experience catering weddings, small backyard dinners, birthday parties, corporate events, and graduations. A celebration isn’t complete without delicious food, so instead of getting lost in the details while trying to cater, let me help you make your next event unforgettable. I also host pop-up events in Washington and Oregon, offering my services to even more people.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back on my journey, three qualities that have been most impactful are resilience, creativity, and community connection.

1. **Resilience**: This quality has been vital, especially during the challenging year I faced in 2024. Despite experiencing betrayal, heartbreak, and significant mental health struggles, I learned that resilience is about standing back up even when life knocks you down. For those early in their journey, I advise cultivating a mindset that views setbacks as temporary. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and remind yourself that every struggle can strengthen your resolve.

2. **Creativity**: As a self-taught chef specializing in Polynesian dishes, creativity has allowed me to express my emotions and share my cultural heritage through food. By putting my unique twist on traditional recipes, I’ve been able to connect with others on a deeper level. My advice for aspiring chefs or anyone in a creative field is to experiment boldly. Don’t be afraid to take risks and infuse your personality into your work. Allow your creativity to flourish, and remember that each dish or project you create is an extension of yourself.

3. **Community Connection**: Building a sense of community has been at the heart of my catering business. My passion for bringing people together through food has created lasting memories and joyful experiences. For those starting out, I encourage you to network and foster relationships within your community. Attend local events, collaborate with others, and seek opportunities to engage with your audience. Genuine connections can lead to support, inspiration, and opportunities that are crucial for your growth.

In summary, focus on developing resilience, embracing creativity, and nurturing community connections. These qualities will not only enhance your personal and professional journey but also enable you to inspire others along the way.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

The number one obstacle I am currently facing is myself; I recognize that I am an ongoing work in progress. However, it doesn’t stop there. Running a business also comes with challenges related to funding and equipment supplies, especially after losing most everything when I lost my restaurant and partner.

I’m focused on reconnecting with events and bookings while addressing the need for new signage and advertising to promote my catering business, Barbe-Queens Kitchen. Securing funding is my most pressing need at the moment, as it will enable me to rebuild and expand my resources. I want to buy back my time, allowing me to focus on what truly matters in my business.

An awesome read that I highly recommend for anyone running a business or aspiring to become an entrepreneur is “Buy Back Your Time” by Dan Martell. As well as “The power of self discipline ” by David Johnson. You can thank me later for that suggestion!

To overcome these challenges, I am actively prioritizing self-care and self-reflection to strengthen my resilience. Seeking support through therapy and engaging in mindfulness practices helps me navigate my emotions and regain clarity. Additionally, I’m channeling my energy into my business, connecting with my community through food to find joy and purpose.

Setting small, achievable goals is essential as I work to rebuild my confidence and sense of accomplishment. Surrounding myself with supportive friends and family provides me with the encouragement I need to move forward. I believe that by addressing these obstacles holistically—both within myself and in my business—I can navigate this challenging period and emerge stronger, ready to embrace new opportunities.

Image Credits

Queen Katsuta