Kimberly joined our family as a Give ‘n Take member over five years ago! She’s a pleasure to know and passionate about what she does…hence the name of  her NYC business, Passion For The Palate.

Main service/product:
As a Culinary Instructional & Catering Company, we provide women with the necessary cooking skills to empower them in the kitchen. Passion for the Palates’ services are specifically designed to our clients needs. We will bring gourmet delicacies to your door, and create events that will be forever memorable. If you are looking to do something different on a Friday night? Get a group together or enjoy a date night for a fun-filled evening while learning, laughing and eating.

How long in business?:
I have been catering events for 10 + years. I began my business late 2008, when I started offering personal chef services to high profile, corporate and celebrity clients.

What does your business do?
We are a full-service Instructional & Catering Company. We also offer Gourmet Cupcakes ! Tourists often sign up for our Soul Food Cooking Lessons.

Any interesting fact(s) you can share about your industry?
Food is the bridge that connects people; I am the architect of that bridge. Cooking doesn’t have to be stressful, once you have the basics and learn the main techniques! You will be whipping up tasty dishes in no time.

Most popular problem you help people solve?
Time Management Cooking. I teach my clients that they can have healthy tasty meals on the table in 30 minutes or less. It’s all about planning in advance and preparing.

What year did you kiss Corporate America goodbye and why do you hope to never go back?
Great question! I officially will kiss Corporate America goodbye June 19th 2010…

How do you stay motivated?
I am always eager to learn new dishes and techniques. I buy tons of cookbooks and test numerous recipes to perfect my dishes. I look for new and different ways I can incorporate great food into my clients’ lifestyles. I am a very spiritual person, and I have a talk with God regularly.

Biggest pet peeve in business?

When clients text me questions instead of picking up the phone. When I am conducting business, I always remain professional. I want my clients to know and feel they have my undivided attention! If you cancel at the last minute, there will be a fee. I value my client’s time and they should value mine.

What’s a bold move you took that turned your business around?
I have to say finally getting my Website done! Instead of giving out my business cards hoping I’d get a call, I just now tell them check out my website for the services I provide. Business is starting to boom since the site launched!

One thing that you would change if you could?
Make a NO BLACKBERRY Holiday !!!! LOL, no one will be able to use their BlackBerry to call, check emails or text! This would be a day to reflect and spend with family and friends with no interruptions unless you are Barack!

What’s a unique talent that you have that might surprise us?
I created a Sugar Scrub line for the body. They are very nice Spa-like quality. I love creating things. I am a very creative person, and it’s one of my gifts that God has blessed me with.

You know the expression, “You can’t take it with you”… well, if you could, what would ‘it’ be?
My make-up bag (I love Mac) LOL

It’s sadly time for your last meal on earth…what would it be?
My last meal would be Fried Chicken, Cream Corn & Rice, String Beans and My Grandmother’s Infamous Rice Pudding, Ahhhh I am hungry now!

Have you used Social Networking to gain new contacts/business? If so, what have been any results?
Yes, I mostly use Facebook and I’m getting acquainted with Twitter. I have gotten new clients to sign up for my classes on Facebook.  http://www.facebook.com/chefvankline

Most exciting moment that you got your time to shine?
When I cooked for the Rapper/Actor Common.

What was your last barter and what was if for?
Made a Romantic Dinner For Two in exchange for bookkeeping for my business.
Add Kimberly as a friend on Own Your Power!

Website (s):
http://www.passionforthepalate.com

http://www.thespicerack.blogspot.com/

Contact info:
hello@passionforthepalat.com
212.862.1800