Today we’d like to introduce you to Melody Morrison.
Hi Melody, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
We are always taught to dream big, that anything is possible when you work hard and set your mind to it. That was definitely the case when it came to creating Brilliance Bites & Booch. What started as learning to perfect recipes at home (and posting on Facebook and Instagram to share some of my proud moments) turned into something much more when opportunities began to arise out of the connections that I had made after choosing to start my own business.
I began my career in the hospitality industry at age 16 as a line cook for a popular fast-food chain. It was there that I quickly learned how important it was to me to learn every aspect and ingredient that went into making delicious cuisine. From prep to serving and everything in between, I dabbled in every aspect of the restaurant (even helping to launch catering at the restaurant I was working at). It wasn’t long before I learned the ins and outs of the restaurant kitchen, advancing to management in both fast food and casual dining concepts. It was here that I found my passion for both the culinary arts and creating connections with guests and coworkers alike.
When Covid-19 hit in early 2020, we all had to learn how to flex our skills. After 12 years of working in corporate kitchens, I decided it was time for a change. I left the corporate restaurant industry to pursue a more artistic avenue teaching dance fitness in my own virtual studio. While this venture was not as successful as I would have hoped, it laid the foundation for what was to come.
In September 2020, after my father gifted me my very first SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast) used to make homemade kombucha. I began to expand and test my product with friends and family. It wasn’t long before word spread and people were requesting to try this fermented tea product. I started to research in order to learn more about how I could make this into a business. The name “Brilliance” stuck in my mind and in December, I decided to register my very first LLC, Brilliance Brands!
During this time, I began to take on small jobs and began working as an event bartender for Fierce Vanity Bartending, owned by Marion Carattini, another female entrepreneur. The connections that I made with people along the way all set the stage for what I envisioned Brilliance Brands could become. Inspiration had set in!
In March 2021, we had our very first pop-up event at Dajah Rene’s fitness studio, Fusion Fitness Club, in Sanford. Natasha Ayala, Marketing Manager for Fusion, was looking for food vendors and had seen many of the dishes that I had posted online. It was with her encouragement, as well as the support of my family and friends, that I decided to give it a go! Without any equipment other than a few coolers and a 6-foot table, Adam Foster, co-owner of Brilliance Brands, and I made fresh turkey and vegetable wrap to sell at the event alongside our homemade kombucha.
Opportunities began to arise! I made it a point take on every opportunity to continue to market and promote our brand. As a growing business, making a genuine connection with our clients is essential to ensure their satisfaction. We continue to use social media, word of mouth, and incentives to further grow our business. We are always seeking ways to better ourselves, our presence, and our products.
Recently we were presented with a few opportunities to really showcase what we represent- delicious, fresh food with options for all! Not only are we continuing to participate in pop-up vendor events but we are also offering catering services for private and corporate gatherings. Brilliance Bites & Booch is just beginning to blossom. We are currently working out of a local commissary with aspirations of becoming an inclusive restaurant brand to “Brighten Up Your Life”!
Our goals include providing education on sustainability, supporting our local community, and increase the appeal of natural, holistic food for health (while still offering some more “indulgent” options). The vision for our concept is to invite our patrons to partake in an experience based on inclusion and acceptance; service to all, with options for all.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Some of the biggest challenges have been more personal than anything. Taking a risk to start your own business is a very scary thought! I remember how hesitant I was in agreeing to prepare food for our first event. What if we don’t sell anything? What if I make too much food? (and I did!) What if we lose money? How am I going to get all of the licenses? Where do I even begin? There are a million questions that were constantly going through my mind! When we made too much food, we adjusted. I started researching, learning, and utilizing the tools that score (a local small business community) had to offer. At the end of the day, action is the biggest motivator. You HAVE to have a vision, and you have to trust your gut. Just keep making moves!
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?
Brilliance Bites & Booch is a food service business specializing in lifestyle cuisine. We pride ourselves in using eco-friendly, sustainable packaging and offering vegan, keto, and gluten-free options without sacrificing flavor. We are different because of our versatility. Our cuisine offerings emulate the personal chef experience, made with fresh ingredients and catered with a clean presentation. We take your vision and bring it to life. We are experts in creating a “catered-to-you” menu that will fit all of your guest’s needs.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
We strongly believe in supporting local! Many of our recipes use locally sourced ingredients and we strive to support small businesses whenever possible. When planning for your event, we can help recommend other businesses that we have worked with in the past, such as bartending services, photographers, cake decorators, florists, entertainment, and more.
Contact Info:
- Email: brilliancebrandsllc@gmail.com
- Website: https://brilliancebitesbooch.square.site/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brilliancebitesbooch
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brilliancebitesbooch
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/brilliancebites
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@brilliancebitesbooch?lang=en
Image Credits
Towanda Anderson (The Wanda Collection) and Nakoma Mull Photography.
