Tirzah's Kitchen

Check out the recent article about Tirzah's Kitchen:

http://www.timesheraldonline.com/general-news/20160615/weekly-biz-buzz-local-woman-hopes-to-open-healthy-food-restaurant-in-downtown-vallejo

Many of you know all about Tirzah Catering LLC, but are unaware of how the vision was birthed. I have always loved cooking, and catering meals for friends and family. However, I never dreamed of opening my own business. I was content with my job in the health insurance industry, it provided for my children, and I felt secure in my earning abilities. 

As I began to learn more about food due to my son's behavioral issues, a spark in me ignited. But I wasn't sure what it all meant. I started preparing healthier meals for my kids, and noticed a change in them. It was subtle at first, but through the years changing our diets have been life changing. During this learning process I was also struggling with personal issues. I was in a deep depression, suffering from intense migraines, and had a hard time getting out of bed. I took a temporary leave from work, and resolved that when my kids weren't home I would sleep my life away. 

One day, a close friend and neighbor came to check on me. It was the middle of the day and I was still in bed. She simply said "get up, go downstairs and cook! Cooking makes you happy, and the only way to get better is to do something that makes you happy!"

So I did...I started out making simple dishes for my family and taking pictures with my phone. I uploaded them to a tumblr page I created called Tirzah Poetry and Catering (now titled cooking_with_tirzah). The idea was to combine two things I love; cooking and poetry. This blog became my therapy, my reason to get out of bed each day, and my sole source of happiness. I started to think of all the things I could make and photograph, and read cook books religiously. Since I was not a "real chef" I read everything I could get my hands on about the culinary world. I immersed myself in blogs, cooking magazines, shows, and recipe books. 

Then it happened! Someone from my church asked me to cater their daughters wedding! I was baffled at first, but thought it was worth a try. With no knowledge of what it took to cater a party, no practice in a commercial kitchen, and only one person helping me (Thank you Eric), I did it! It was fun, and exciting, and a lot of work! After that event I realized that I could really make this a job if I put my all into it. 

So, I continued with my blog and more opportunities came. After 3 years of blogging my big opportunity came! I was hired to be a personal chef for select players of the Sacramento Kings!! After working with them for one season I decided that this was what I was going to do forever. 

In January 2014 I quit my stable job and took a leap of faith, and I have not looked back!!!!

Now its time to take a new leap. I no longer want to rent commercial kitchens, or do prep out of my home, I NEED MY OWN SPACE!! My business has grown exponentially and I want it to grow even more! But I need help! There is a space located in the downtown area of Vallejo that already has everything I need in it! Having a kitchen downtown will infuse the cities growing popularity in the whole food movement. The town is in need of something new that will stimulate their palate and mental capacity!

With this space I will be able to:

1.Use it for a prep kitchen for catering

2. Make MORE Tirzah to Go and Fit Meals

3. Have a retail space for clients to enjoy healthy, organic breakfast and lunch, as well as juices and smoothies

4. Have Cooking with Tirzah classes

5. Have a pick up location for to go meals

6. Have a prep space for my Personal Chef clients

Your donation will enable me to:

1. Pay the deposit on property

2. Pay a few months on the lease

3. Make some upgrades to the sitting area (window clings, table clothes, decor, etc.)

4. Have a Grand Opening

5. Pay utilities and maintenance for the first few months

6. Pay inspection and permit fees

7. Hire employees

Please partner with me and help me build Tirzah's Kitchen. A place that will serve organic, wholesome meals to go, and also host cooking classes, catering events, and more!

I thank you all for reading my story, donating, and partnering with me.

With love and gratitude,

Chef Tirzah Love

www.tirzahcatering.com
Risks and challenges
Some of the risks and challenges I face with opening this kitchen will be:

Visibility/Location- the downtown area doesn't get a lot of business due to its location, however, I believe through word of mouth Tirzah's Kitchen will be successful.

Demand- I am not certain that the population is on board with the Organic food movement. There are additional cost to eat this way, and most people aren't aware of all of the benefits. However, I am committed to working toward educating Vallejo/Benicia on what a commitment to a healthy lifestyle change can do for them body, mind, and soul.