Conversations with Nanyhorria Smiley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nanyhorria Smiley.

Hi Nanyhorria, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My name is Nanyhorria Smiley, born and raised in St. Petersburg, Florida. Growing up, I used to visits my aunt’s house on the weekends, she was the family cook. While all the other children played, I would get a stool and prop up in the kitchen with her. I used to watch her bake and cook all day long. I never thought that I would be a cook like her until I had my own family. We dined out every night of the week until one day they said, “Ma, we have had everything; we want something new.” I started out baking and selling cakes in 2013 and one thing lead to another. I started making family dinners on Sundays and it became a tradition for us. in 2016, I started cooking and catering and finally opened up my own little catering service called Style Bites Catering. It has been a been a fun and successful journey thus far. One day I plan to open my own restaurant where people around the world can taste my amazing comfort food dishes.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
The road has not been smooth at all. I started out in Florida and now reside in Georgia. I travel every weekend to different states for catering services, I face challenges everyday. It’s hard holding down a full-time job, being a mother of two girls and a wife. Some days I want to give up but my family is what keeps me going. I’m currently working on Balance.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in comfort food. My food is from the soul. I cook with passion because I love to cook and make others feel good while doing it. I am mostly known for my Southern Red Velvet Cakes and southern-style food. I am most proud of how far I have came in the food industry. I was all for fun and now I have a full-blown business and food trailer. Sometime I sit in disbelieve about everything I overcame to get to this point in my life. My passion and my love for food I think sets me apart from others. I love to cook, I love to see the smile on people face when they are pleased with my services. I’m smart, I’m funny, I’m friendly, and I make you feel like you are at home.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
For those who are just starting, I just want to say is, stay strong and have faith in God. with him, all things are possible. Study and do your research and reach out to those who have paved the way for advice. I have so much family and friend’s support and that’s really all you need.

Contact Info:

• Email: only1stylebites@gmail.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/Stylebitescatering_
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/StyleBitesCatering