Meet Michele Wilson

We recently connected with Michele Wilson and have shared our conversation below.

Michele, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

My resilience comes from how I was raised. My parents held us accountable for our actions, they required us to think through our problems with them and come up with our own solutions. I remember a time when I was in college, I partied and slacked in my grades, I was out of money and on academic probation, I simply didn’t take school serious at that time. I called home for sympathy and money. My father listened to me blame everything and everyone for my troubles. Finally he asked me “what did YOU do or didn’t do to get yourself in this situation, have you thought of other ways to solve YOUR problem before calling us” Well that put a lump in my throat as I tried to pick my pride up off the floor. He went on to explain that when I call with problems have some possible solutions thought out to discuss together. That lesson was really impactful – It made me realize that I do have a keen ability to problem solve, to be honest with myself and to use my power to effective and affective. I pushed myself because I could and because for me, I had no choice, moving back home was not as welcoming as it is for children today. My parents wanted me to be independent and I think they did a pretty good job on me! There is so much power in understanding who you are and what you are capable of doing.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I currently own Minty’s Catering Co, powered by Ma’Michele & Co that I started after I closed Ma’Michele’s Cafe in 2022, My company also serves the homeless family shelters in Richmond, providing them with nutritional meals 7 days a week as well as partner with local talent for events. We offer private and micro event services as well.

I also offer Servsafe classes for those who need to be certified. I am an instructor and proctor.

I opened up a podcast studio in 2022 for content creators to have a place to develop shows.We offer a variety of services from editing, videography, photography, studio productions
We have a radio platform on K101.2 pop that debut February 1st of this year, My Culinary show is called The Stoop! We currently air on Saturday at 12 noon
We are currently looking for talent to join our network. for more information email me at [email protected]

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?

Honesty, tenacity, bull headedness, lol. I wanted to be a positive impact in my community, not a superstar, but impactful. so I studied my craft – Culinary – went to school in my 50’s took business courses in conjunction with that, opened my restaurant .

It was important for me to have a prayer life, to understand that my talents and gifts were an assignment. I had to overcome my own objectives and doubts and know I had to take this journey. I certainly didn’t know what was in store, however I know I had to take this ride.

Be honest with where you really are in your journey, Determine if your support system, bank account, accessibility, accountability suggest that you have a hobby or a business. Know that there will be sacrifices and that you will loose some battles. Not everyone will travel this road with you so buckle up! you will have to rely on strength and resilience that you never thought you had. know that you will be a student often in your journey, it will teach you a lot about who you really are. Educate yourself, know your business! After all that – it is the most rewarding journey I have ever been on and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?

The biggest area of growth that I had to come back to the center on is reminding myself what projects to be loyal too in business. Sometimes you partner with people to move a project or business forward and nothing happens or it goes in the wrong direction. I had to focus and make decisions that would move initiatives in another direction or leave it all together. Knowing when to pivot is vital to the success of your business and how you function in the community. It can be nerve racking however having the knowledge without action is meaningless. Not everyone has the true entrepreneurial characters or spirit. Be intentional, trust yourself.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mintyscatering.com
• Instagram: @chefmichelerva
• Facebook: chefmichelewilson

Image Credits

Antione Horton
Emmanuel Pozoa
Cara Presley