Meet Chef Tee Martin

We recently connected with Chef Tee Martin and have shared our conversation below.

Chef Tee, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?

I am naturally a creative, so that helps drive my creativity. I am an artist that paints in my spare time, I do crafting, vision boarding, etc. When I have catering gigs, I tie in the creativeness by thinking of the setup as a blank canvas. When I look at the blank canvas, I envision how I want the setup to be and start painting in which that equates to creating a magical setup for the client. I have always been different and never wanted to dress or look like others, and it’s the same with catering. Sure we will all have similar ideas but it’s your own personal touch that sets you apart.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My name is Tera Martin and I go by Chef Tee in the Culinary world. I am a self taught Chef who has been cooking over 20 years and in business for three. What makes me excited about my skill and job are the menus clients select and the happiness after I execute their vision. Each client is different and requires unique attention to detail. I started cooking in College to save money for the NFL network because my mom said it wasn’t a necessity lol. So I sold plates and pans of Enchiladas on the weekends and they have become a staple and one of our top sellers today and the rest is history. Today I have launched my very own Salt- free seasoning blends, I am releasing my first cookbook for children titled ” These kids is hungry” due to release soon. I have a cooking channel on Youtube with recipes to follow along and we are booked and busy. I am perfecting my craft every week and focusing on getting better to create financial freedom for life.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

The three skills/ qualities/ areas of knowledge I would have to say for me would be; Confidence, Creativity and just knowing how to naturally cook and decipher spices, herbs and flavors. These are things that can be taught but most times you just have to have it. It’s a God given gift and once you figure yours out, it’s always easier to start building from it. Stay the course and never feel like your beneath anyone who seems further along in their journey than you. It took me getting laid off during the pandemic to get out there and realize all of my talents. Your journey is your own, stick with it, give it your all and never be afraid to ask questions along the way, I’m still learning.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did was support my vision. They grew up in a generation where you graduated High school, went to College and retired. Up until I graduated College that was never my vision. I always knew there was more and I have since created four businesses but I always worked. My parents were unsure how things would look once I was laid off, but I advised I had been here before, having my son my Senior year and returning to College to get my BA degree so trust me. They have even admitted they didn’t know how I would be able to do this catering thing full time, but it wasn’t doubt in me but because they were use to the traditional way and this wasn’t in the plans. Now they see me and are very proud.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Dusk2dawncatering.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dusk2dawncateringllc?igsh=MWxxNXd0MWRtYXdyaQ==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/4547R4WqQPHxEJCG/?mibextid=qi2Omg
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@dusk2dawnprivatechefcatering?si=o94hTssR9lgLM9kH