Today we’d like to introduce you to Ulonda Williams.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Passion Pansul’ originated from my late grandmother Pansy; I often share the story with others of how she and I used to bake and cook during the holidays, especially Christmas. I was her shadow in the kitchen. I’ll never forget making her famous jaw-dropping desserts, such as jelly cakes, fruits cakes, and orange slice cakes. These flashbacks were some of my most memorable moments that I hold close to my heart. Back in 2019, I came up with a way to carry on her legacy through my culinary experience. Even through her passing, her spirit continues to live on through the naming of my catering business, Pansul’. I took the first four letters from her name, Pansy, and I combined it with the first two letters from my name. Her legacy will continue and knowing that I’m upholding such a special name will make me work harder at achieving my goals and dreams.
How it started
My culinary Arts journey started when I was around the age of 17. I attended the Sumter County Career Center where I specialized in culinary Arts. As I got older, people would often ask, “Ulonda, what do you want to do after you gradate high school “? I would proudly say, “I want to attend Johnson & Wales University to become a chef”. While some would chuckle, I never allowed their opinions to deter me from my dreams. It honestly made me work harder towards my dreams. While I’m mostly self-taught, I’ve gained some great skill sets and knowledge, along the way, from mentors and my Chef sisters and brothers that paved the way. This definitely set the footwork for my foundation in starting a future storefront! Your gifts are meant to be released back into the universe, and this is one of the many reasons I started teaching classes, mentoring youth, and attending more local pop-up shops. I want everyone to have the chance to taste and experience Pansul’.
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?
Obstacles I have faced some major obstacles due to the pandemic that has led me to become more creative! My ultimate goal, to be honest, is to have my own storefront or event hall. This opportunity was at my fingertip when I applied for a local grant, “Sumter Has Talent”. This opportunity would have given me the chance to fulfill my dreams of becoming a chef in my own restaurant. But, Covid19 hit, which put a pause on the process. When I reflect back on this moment, I can truly say it was an opportunity delayed, but definitely not denied. The pandemic created more challenges for business owners, my top two were:
How do I stand strong during this pandemic while continuing my business and staying safe?
How can I become more creative so my business will flourish and not drown?
Restaurants were closing at a rapid speed costing most owners to shut down for good; we were in the middle a real recession. As stated earlier, the pandemic caused my chances to be delayed, but not denied. While Covid may have been a curse for many, it became a blessing for me in the end. I started to think outside of the box and began stepping out on faith more. The idea of doing In- house Private Chef experiences came to me. I began catering local and private events for the public. I became a travel chef, and most of all I stated Culinary Arts school at Escoffier. I’m proud to say I will graduate this year. So, let me say once again “delayed not denied.”
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Who do I owe? First and foremost, I owe everything to God for blessing me with my many talents. I owe my children. Many believe that you’re supposed to be your child’s idol. I think it should be the complete opposite. My children inspire me with endless love and motivation to never stop going and to always press forward. I thank my family for always supporting me. Even when it may sound pointless, they always say, “Go for it”. I thank my customers for whom I’ve built some pretty amazing relationships with. Without them, there would be no Pansul’! I would like to close with these words, “There is no age limit when it comes to making your dreams your reality. Keep pushing! Manifest with knowing all things are possible”!
Pricing:
- Private chef for two starts at $400.00
Contact Info:
- Email: chefulondawilliams@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/Pansul_Kitchen
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/ulonda.williams
Image Credits
Ellen Nicole
