Today we’d like to introduce you to Tosha John-Lewis.
Hi Tosha, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
I originally started as a baker. My first product was cupcakes in a cup, wrapped in pretty treat bags. Then, I expanded my brand by making birthday cakes, wedding cakes, pies, and cookies. Then I realized I had lost my passion for baking (larger cakes with many details) and discovered I’m more in love with cooking and catering. My husband was the one who pointed out to me that there was a big difference between me when I was cooking and when I was baking. I started cooking as a child, sitting on the dining room table snapping beans/peas and stirring up the cake mix, cookie mix, etc., with my grandma Retha every weekend.
At age 10, I cooked full meals(meat, rice, veggies). My mom (RIP) would ask if my grandma had come over and cooked dinner for us while she (mom) was at work. I said, “No.” I cooked dinner for us. She didn’t believe me, so my mom called my grandmother and told her no, that Teddy Bear (the name given by my grandma) cooked dinner. I had the opportunity to open up my first storefront in Winter Garden, FL—one of the happiest days of my life. The strawberry on the top of the cake moment was when I opened up on my late mother’s birthday, 4-19-20. I was open for 2 years, then due to the pandemic, I had to close my baby down—the second most heartbreaking time for me. I felt like a failure and that I lost in life. I was depressed; I wasn’t eating; after that, I had knee surgery and was in 2 car accidents exactly 90 days apart. In the second accident, I had a concussion and couldn’t walk for 3weeks; my husband had to bathe me and take me to use the bathroom. I lost clients due to the accidents, which knocked me back into depression. But my husband, Sister Reneé, and my pastor, Sharon Riley, kept me lifted in prayer and encouraged, as did other friends and family members.
Now, I have bounced back and have been booked every weekend afterward. I have catered for many companies and organizations, such as birthday parties, weddings, baby showers, etc. But my joy comes from giving back to the communities by feeding the homeless and hurricane victims and the community that accepted me and my business in Winter Garden, FL. I was also displaced in City Hall In Winter Garden, FL, for black history. I am A Taste Of Tosha. I am proud of what I’ve accomplished and the people’s lives I’ve touched and put smiles on their faces and joy in their hearts. That is what makes me A Taste Of Tosha! Giving back, helping others in need, and not looking for anything in return.
I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a caterer with a smile, and I provide excellent customer service and lots of flavors and herbs that make my food stand out. I cook passionately, pray over my food, and cook with love. I don’t do it just for the money; I do it because this is my calling; it’s down in my heart & soul! Big or small, I do it all. With small and large budgets, I always provide excellent service.
How do you think about luck?
Good luck when someone took a chance on me even when they didn’t believe I could pull off a wedding size of 180 guests. They thought it was because I was fairly new to catering with a smaller staff. My family & friends helped me execute the wedding and service. After this, I catered to their wedding anniversary and family gatherings, which was one of my highlights of catering. I was intimidated by the remarks from them. After that, I knew what I could accomplish without making someone doubt me! I have catered events larger than hers. So, I give myself a round of applause.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: A _Taste_Of_Tosha
- Facebook: A Taste Of Tosha
