Meet Verchona Yvette Walker

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

Verchona Yvette , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I believe you find your purpose through your natural gifts; the things you organically do well, the joy they bring you, and more importantly, the impact they have beyond yourself.
For me, my gift is cooking and my purpose is bringing people together through food. Food is truly a love language.
The amount of love, care, and detail that goes into preparing a meal with a specific person, or group of people in mind, in turn, has the power to make those people feel comforted loved and appreciated.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

My journey into the culinary world is rooted in my deep love for food and the ways it connects people. Growing up, I always found joy in gathering family and friends around the table for good food, great conversation, and unforgettable memories. My passion for cooking didn’t come from formal training, but from years of cooking for my own family and friends, where I honed my skills and developed a love for creating meaningful food experiences.

In 2018, I took a leap of faith and founded Hedonist Foodie, an independent catering company in St. Louis, Missouri. Starting this business in my 40s, as a mom of five, was a bold move, but it was driven by my desire to turn my passion into something more. The pandemic forced us to pivot, but it also gave us the opportunity to expand our services in exciting new directions. Today, Hedonist Foodie offers boxed lunch services for corporate events, small event catering, micro-weddings, and menu curation. We also offer PR and marketing boxes as well as corporate gifts, that help brands build meaningful connections through the art of food.

A huge part of our success is thanks to my co-founder, Siyanna Mahan, who is the creative force behind our brand. Siyanna is a graduate of Tennessee State University, holding a Bachelor’s in Health Science in Therapeutic Studies. Her design journey didn’t begin in fancy art schools but in the margins of notebooks, where doodles and sketches sparked her creative passion. Over the years, Siyanna’s self-taught artistry has grown into a professional career in branding and design. She believes that great design goes beyond looking good – it should tell a story, your story. Whether it’s crafting a business logo or a quirky birthday card, Siyanna mixes creativity with strategy to ensure that every design is both beautiful and purposeful.

Now, Siyanna is expanding her journey beyond Hedonist Foodie as a Creative Director, specializing in all aspects of creativity, strategic design, and business planning. Her dedication and love for learning have fueled her growth, and her vision continues to elevate our brand.

Our journey with Hedonist Foodie has been one of trial, error, and constant growth. I’m proud of the strong support system that has helped us navigate the challenges and create something truly special. Whether it’s crafting a curated menu for a corporate event or helping brands express their identity through thoughtful design and food, our mission is to help clients create memorable, meaningful experiences.

We’re excited about what’s ahead as we continue to grow, innovate, and share our passion for food and creativity with the world.

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?

The qualities in my journey that have been most imperative are adaptability, creativity, and relationship-building.

Adaptability was key, especially during the pandemic when my business had to shift direction. We went from being a traditional catering service to offering new services like boxed lunches, micro-weddings, and curated corporate gifts. Being open to change and thinking on your feet is essential for any business to thrive in uncertain times.

Creativity is the heart and soul of what we do. Whether it’s creating a new menu, crafting a branding concept, or designing a PR package, creativity allows us to stand out and offer something unique. Creativity is not just about being artistic—it’s about problem-solving and finding innovative solutions to meet client needs. Siyanna, my co-founder, embodies this with her design work, and together we’ve built a brand that speaks to people’s hearts and tastes.

Where creativity is our heart and soul, relationship-building is the fuel we need to thrive. This business, like many others, depends heavily on the connections we make—whether it’s with clients, partners, or our community. Building strong relationships means going the extra mile, understanding clients’ visions, and delivering services that exceed expectations. A solid support system has made all the difference in overcoming challenges along the way.

For those early in their journey, I recommend focusing on these three areas. Adaptability can be developed by being open to feedback and willing to pivot when necessary. Creativity is about honing your craft, practicing regularly, and staying curious about the world around you. Finally, relationship-building requires authenticity—take the time to listen, be patient, and always operate with integrity. These traits will serve you well no matter what path you choose.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

At Hedonist Foodie, we actively seek opportunities to collaborate with individuals and businesses that align with our values. We understand the immense potential of partnerships to enhance our offerings and create memorable experiences for our clients. We are particularly interested in connecting with those who share our dedication to community engagement, sustainability, and the joy of uniting people through their craft.

Our mission goes far beyond the kitchen; it’s about honoring the traditions of the people who came before us, and shaping a future where connection is a source of joy. We strive to celebrate diversity and create a positive impact through responsible practices. By sourcing ingredients from local farms and businesses, we contribute to the regional economy while promoting environmental stewardship with our reusable and recyclable packaging.

We also aim to nurture a vibrant, interconnected community by providing a platform for small businesses to showcase their products. Our support extends to budding startups, offering resources, guidance, and mentorship to help them thrive. Building strong relationships with local organizations, social clubs, and nonprofits allows us to back important initiatives that strengthen our community.

If you’re interested in collaborating with us, we would love to hear from you! You can find more information about partnerships on our website at thehedonistfoodie.com or reach out via email at [email protected]. Together, we can cultivate a thriving environment where everyone can flourish, and each partnership contributes to a better, more connected world.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thehedonistfoodie.com
• Instagram: @thehedonistfoodie
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hedonistfoodie
• Other: https://linktr.ee/hedonistfoodie

Image Credits

Hedonist Foodie