Today we’d like to introduce you to Cameron Mcgriff.
Hi Cameron, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started back in 2015 with a desire to cook. I was in a place where I needed to make some more money, and I saw a video about doing what you love and what you have a passion for, and that gift will make room (money) for you. So I knew I loved cooking and I knew that people love to eat every day, so food was the best route or me. So I went and started to plan out my approach. I wanted to do meal preps for people in the gym to help them reach their goals of healthier lifestyles. So one particular group of people that I wanted to help were people working out in the gym and individuals that wanted to eat healthy because I also started my workout journey.
I went to google, took a picture off the web, and posted it on Facebook, asking if anyone wanted meal preps, and I think I was charging $45 for five meals at the time. One person reached out to me and said they were interested in the meal preps, and we made our first sale. From that day forward, I have never stopped since. At the time, the business was called “Cam‘s meal preps and catering services.” I didn’t know what I was doing; I just knew that I loved cooking and wanted to help people eat healthy. See, at the time, my dad was not doing his best, so my mom changed his eating habits, and he recovered fast. When she did this, it motivated me to ensure that I ate better, took care of my body, and also wanted to help others do the same. In hated seeing my dad go through what he did. I then started to get more into selling dinners as well. I was selling dinners at the church and posting dinners on Facebook; the biggest thing I sold was crab legs. It seems like everybody sells crab legs in Jacksonville, but I had a passion, and I just knew I needed to get my name out there, and one of the fasted ways was seafood because of the demand. Then I introduced my famous seafood soup, and that took me over the top with the community. Now we are expanding, hiring more people catering private dinners, meal preps, and so much more.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My biggest personal struggle is always feeling like I have to do more. It has been more of a learning experience and was both smooth and at time very rocky. My biggest downfall is that I did not have a mentor to show me the way. I had to learn myself and lean on God for direction. So not knowing the business and not knowing the law and having to learn all those things and educate myself was an obstacle that i overcame. So it wasn’t hard; it just was different, and it took a lot of time to learn the business as I am still learning today.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a Chef, and I specialize in feel-good food. I know you’re like, what is feel-good food? See feel, good food to me is food that makes you feel like you’re at home. It takes you back to your childhood and fun times with your family and friends. I study different cuisines and try to bring out the authentic flavors from each culture so that when you eat the food that I prepare for you. It feels like it comes from your roots, from your grandmother’s kitchen, and ultimately feels like good times with family. So my passion is to create an experience when you’re eating Chef Cam’s food so that you will enjoy eating and also remember dining with us. An everlasting taste and experience. It keeps you coming back for more. I’m known for my food displays, private dinners, and catering. I got people’s attention by selling seafood trays, soups, and meal preps. That was my start, and it got my name out there. I’m most proud of not giving up and not allowing months of not selling any food or months or not practicing the craft to detour me and turn me away from cooking. I found a way to keep going because I realized consistency is key in this business. See, so many chefs and people sell food so that you can get lost in the mix. So I’m proud that I was able to be consistent, learn the business more, and enjoy the process along the way as well as create the Chef Cam Brand.
What sets me apart is how much I care about the client. I always consider my clients as I consider myself when paying for a service. If I’m paying for a service, I want the best, I want to feel like I’m being taken care of. I want to feel like they went above and beyond and appreciate me doing business with them. So what I do for my clients is go above and beyond; I’m always giving more than what they ask because it leaves a lasting impression on them and potentially builds a forever customer.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc.?
I am very spiritual, so I listen to motivational speaking, many preachers, and lots of teachings on finance. I’m a firm believer in creating generational wealth. So that, to me, means wealth within our spirit, soul, and body. So that combines the Bible, podcasts, and YouTube videos.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.Chefcamco.com
- Instagram: @chefcamco
- Facebook: @chefcamco
- Other: tik tok @chefcamco
