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Rising Stars: Meet Briana Deshommes of downtown Orlando

Today we’d like to introduce you to Briana Deshommes

Hi Briana, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Having had a near-death experience sparked a profound realization in me: I had to make a difference. Change was imperative. What once was a fear of death transformed into a fear of not truly living. I threw myself into school activities, which led me to volunteer and discover my true passion: cooking. At just seven years old, I attempted to bake for the first time after watching an inspiring episode on Food Network about making a pine nut cake. Filled with awe, I convinced my mother to buy the ingredients, and that very night, I crafted my first cake. From that moment on, baking became second nature to me. I created delightful treats that my mom would share with her coworkers, and we also spread joy to our neighbors. By the age of ten, my love for cooking was undeniable. The art spoke to me in a language that felt like a comforting hug, and as I grew, it became my refuge. Cooking was my voice when words failed me; it was how I coped with the chaos around me.

As I entered high school amid a pandemic, cooking became my lifeline. With increased workloads and juggling responsibilities, I occasionally felt that near-death sensation returning. Yet, I found coping mechanisms, and giving back to my community emerged as a vibrant source of relief. Volunteering became the anchor of my life, and the joy of selflessly helping others alleviated my stress, giving me a renewed sense of purpose.

Through my journey of volunteering, I discovered my passion for food-related events. The ability to nourish my community with something both helpful and nutritious ignited a flame within me. My dedication to these food events blossomed into a stronger passion for cooking. I embraced new recipes, tackled messy pots and pans, and enjoyed late-night baking sessions. My dream was crystal clear: I was destined to become a chef. Each recipe morphed into an essential part of my business plan. I meticulously outlined growth strategies, calculated costs, and mapped everything out. On my stove, a rich roux of ambition and practicality simmered. I earned my certification and began selling plates of food at school, running lunch programs, and expanding to delivery. With minimal guidance, my volunteering experiences provided invaluable networking opportunities. Blessed with the knowledge gained from various clubs, I took college-level financial, business, and marketing courses in high school. Now, as I attend culinary school in Orlando, I am ready to transform my dreams into reality by establishing my LLC and sharing the gift God has bestowed upon me with the vibrant city of Orlando. Though coming from a different city presents its challenges, my mission to share my love for food drives me forward—ready to make my mark here in Orlando.

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?
The journey here has been rough, with losing the relationship with my parents happy to chase my dreams on my own. Just having only myself and God to celebrate accomplishments with was rough. Having people like my own mother tell me that my gift and dream weren’t enough for her or my family. Becoming one of the top ten in the nation with only support from my mentors was rough, but I did it alone. So yes, my glory and the achievements of being topped in the country and getting accepted into the best culinary school in America didn’t just happen overnight took blood, sweat, and tears. Sometimes, I would close down the business to focus on myself. But as I’ve grown and learned, I will never do that again, no matter what hardship I face or trials and tribulations. Who stands strong in my faith in the Lord and the purpose and blessed gift he has given me to share with others? I continuously prove my skills and worth to everybody every day; I have reassurance now that I am here in Orlando for a reason, and I am meant to do this for the rest of my life.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a versatile culinary creator, seamlessly blending cooking and baking into my daily routine. While I find myself primarily in the kitchen cooking more often than baking, my true passion lies in crafting customized meal plans and providing catering services that cater to various tastes and lifestyles. My expertise extends to creating delightful everyday meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

What truly sets me apart in the culinary world is my youthful energy and the extensive experience I’ve gained over the years. My Haitian heritage infuses my dishes with an island twist that enhances their unique flavor profiles. The combinations I create are consistently praised, with many who experience my cooking remarking on the exquisite and vibrant flavors that dance on their palates.

I embrace a philosophy of culinary exploration, never confining myself to a single cuisine or style of dish. Instead, I enjoy the creative freedom to mix and match different elements, putting my personal spin on whatever dish inspires me in the moment. Looking back on my journey fills me with pride. I am equally excited about the road ahead—an endless adventure of learning, growing, and perfecting my craft in the kitchen!

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
All the credit goes to God. If it weren’t for Him, I wouldn’t have this sense of purpose for my gift. He has blessed me with numerous lessons and opportunities, so all glory goes to Him.

Secondly, I want to thank my customers who continue to buy and support my work. You are why I keep doing this. I’m genuinely grateful to everyone who has yet to try my food, those who will in the future, and those who simply show support on Instagram. Thank you!

Most importantly, I appreciate those who have stood by my side through doubt, anxiety, fear, and moments of joy. My mentors—Chef Fefe, Chef Abby, Mr. Bryd, Ms. Sowell, Ms. Washington, and Chef Nelson—and all the residents from Fleet Landing, who make up my fan club, have motivated me. They inspire me and help me fall more in love with my passion and career daily. I am truly blessed to have such a supportive network.

Pricing:

  • Prices vary based on the services requested, so please let me know what you need. I’m always happy to discuss pricing.

Contact Info:

  • Instagram: @BrisBussin
  • Facebook: @BrisBussin
  • Other: TikTok @BrisBussin

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