Today we’d like to introduce you to Nia Gaillard
Hi Nia , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born and raised in New York. As a child I always loved the food network and cooking whatever I could. When I was in 11th grade I was able to spend half my school day in a culinary program at a trade school. So I did this my junior and senior year in high school. My senior year in that program counted for 4 college credits at our local community college that had an amazing culinary program. I also won outstanding student and received a small scholarship. So I went to college finished my two year program and received my associates. I interned at Kentucky derby as well. After college I worked at many restaurants in NY and also when I moved to SC in 2019. Through my career I’ve worked at five guys, 2 steaks houses, a French restaurant, and 3 different horseracing tracks.. Here in Columbia I am currently the head chef of Room Service Bistro. I recently did a local cooking competition called Chef of the City that I won. I am currently catering right now as well. My business is called GG Catering Co. specializing in small bites and charcuterie.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
This biggest struggles in the culinary industry from my perceptive have been being young, and a women. Especially when you’re in charge. This industry has always been male dominated and you have to fight for your spot to be seen and heard and work twice as hard. When you do get to the top, they feel you don’t belong so they may make your job harder just because. You have to gain trust and earn that respect. Its been a very bumpy ride but I’m still riding.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
GG Catering Co. is a catering business that specialializes in small bites and charcuterie. We do offer hot food services as well, we love themes and party food, taco bars dessert platter and try and accommodate other themes as well. Our most important goal is to deliver. I like to be sure the customer gets what they want and hopefully even surpass it. Our beautiful setups are perfect for any occasion and are sure crowd pleasers!
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Caring about the customer is huge to us. I think it’s such an overlooked detail with so many businesses. We can’t only think about the dollar but neglect the service in every other way. Hospitality. Take care of the people and they will take care of you. I like to be reasonable, respectful accommodating while keep business boundaries in place. Happiness and satisfaction is the goal.
Pricing:
- Charcuteries boards starting at $80. SMLXL
- Grazing tables starting at $500
Contact Info:
- Website: ggcateringco@gmail.com
- Instagram: nia_thechef and _ggcateringco_
