Today we’d like to introduce you to Aquila Moné.
Hi Aquila, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hi! I’m Chef Aquila. My journey started in Boston, where my love for food and storytelling began. Food wasn’t just about nourishment, it was a way to connect, share stories, and a source of inspiration- by way of my grandmother. After years of honing my craft, I relocated to Greenville, SC, and launched The Tasti Plate, a private chef and catering company blending Caribbean and Southern flavors to create unforgettable dining experiences.
Beyond food, I’ve always believed in the power of mindset and personal growth. That led me to create Aspire to Inspire, a movement dedicated to helping people expand their vision, embrace their story, and step into their purpose. Through speaking engagements, workshops, and transformative culinary events, I merge inspiration with experience both on the plate and on the stage.
Today, my work is about more than just cooking; it’s about feeding the whole person. I feed the body, but as the mind which fuels dreams and a life lived in purpose and on purpose. Through The Tasti Plate and The Aspire to Inspire Movement, I create spaces that foster conversation and connection and where people feel empowered, seen, and inspired to take action.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has been anything but smooth, but every challenge has shaped me into who I am today. Growing up in inner-city Boston, I learned resilience early on, navigating a life of little means while holding onto big dreams. The hardest struggles came in my 20s when I lost both my mother and grandmother—two of my greatest sources of love and encouragement. Their passing tested me in ways I never imagined, but it also pushed me to draw from the faith, strength, and inspiration they instilled in me.
My grandmother was the one who first sparked my love for cooking, teaching me that food is more than just a meal—it’s a way to bring people together, tell stories, and create lasting impact. That passion led me to become a chef and ultimately launch The Tasti Plate. My mother always believed in me, constantly pushing me to reach for more, and that belief fuels Aspire to Inspire today. Every setback has been a setup for something greater, and I carry their legacy forward in everything I do!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
My brand is a fusion of food, storytelling, and personal transformation. The Tasti Plate (TTP) is a private chef and catering company that blends Caribbean and Southern flavors into elevated dining experiences. From intimate private dinners to corporate events, I create meals that not only satisfy but also tell a story and connects people through culture, tradition, and flavor!
Beyond the kitchen, my passion for inspiration led me to launch Aspire to Inspire (ATI)—a movement focused on helping people expand their vision, embrace their story, and step into their purpose. Through keynote speaking, mindset coaching, and transformative culinary events, I merge food with motivation, creating experiences that nourish both the body and the soul.
What sets my brand apart is the heart behind it. I don’t just cook, I create moments. I don’t just speak, I ignite change. I’m most proud of how TTP and ATI work together to impact lives, whether it’s through a beautifully plated dish or a powerful conversation that sparks a mindset shift.
For those looking to experience something unique, I offer private dining, catering, cooking classes, motivational speaking, and mindset coaching. Whether you’re craving a meal that tells a story or a conversation that shifts your perspective, my brand is all about feeding your dreams—on and off the plate!
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Faith is my foundation. It keeps me grounded and gives me the strength to push forward, no matter the challenges. Prayer and reflection help me stay focused on my purpose and remind me why I do what I do.
I also invest in personal growth by reading, listening to motivational speakers, and surrounding myself with like-minded individuals who challenge and uplift me. Community is everything! Having the right people in your corner makes all the difference!
Books that I love & have helped me grow:
-The Alchemist, Paulo Cuelo
-What I Know for Sure, Oprah Winfrey
-Made From Scratch, Mignon Francois
-The Bible
Podcasts
-The Secrets to Success Podcast, Eric Thomas
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thetastiplate.com/chefs-corner
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetastiplate
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aquilamone/
