Meet Kahlaya Goodwin | Certified Culinarian

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kahlaya Goodwin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

What should our readers know about your business?
First off, I’m proud of myself for taking the step to start Saveur Catering Company there is still much to be done but little by little become a lot. I’m excited that this catering company will introduce not just Caribbean Flavor but Crucian (A person from the island of St.Croix, U.S Virgin Islands) flavor.
Getting where I am today has been challenging but, with God & family by my side I am able to keep pursuing my goals.
Along the way of starting up my business some lessons that I have learned is that you can learn something from anyone you just have to be willing to listen. As well as being patient, many times we are in a rush to complete our goals but I am a firm believer in everything happens for reason and also at the right time. Life is like completing a puzzle: sometimes we have to move a piece more than once to get it right.
Saveur Catering Company is a brand that will introduce new flavor and culture to others. One of my goals for my company is to allow the knowledge of my culture to grow as my business grows.

What inspires you?
When I think of inspiration the word that comes to mind is “COMPANNYY” which is the word a caller uses to bring quadrille dancers to the floor as the sweet sound of Quelbe music tells folk tale stories. Yes, I know you’re probably asking yourself what does that even mean. Well for me it means culture or as a Crucian (a native of St.Croix) would say “das my kulchaaa”!

The culture of St.Croix U.S Virgin Islands has inspired me my entire life. We are people of love & unity with a little rebel in our spirits from our ancestor Queen Mary. One thing that can’t be left out when St.Croix’s culture is in conversation is food! Nothing drives my inspiration more than seeing how our local dishes can tell our history. Eating in St.Croix is an experience and that is what made me want to carry out this phenomenal feeling to others. Everyone usually refers to Caribbean food as “Jamacian Food” and this is not always the case. My goal is to introduce Crucian cuisine and flavors on a high end scale.

My passion for cooking wasn’t an easy find. I went through several different majors trying to find what sticks because I didn’t want to study for something I wasn’t passionate about. Residing on the US mainland I  started off cooking for friends who would tell me “dis ya could sell mehsun” (this can sell, Wow!) or “Yo food does bang” (your food is really good) which automatically eased our homesickness. One day I took the leap and did a food sale which had an amazing turn out and the instant gratification of my customers gave me a euphoric feel. From then I took the risk to quit my job and attend Houston Community College Culinary School were I gained knowledge of different culinary techniques and cooking methods which mixed well with my crucian roots.

Being that St.Croix is a melting pot of cultures due to its seven different flags the flavor put in its food is an heirloom itself. Hence why named my business “Saveur” which means flavor is French. My culture inspires me to reach out to others and give them a taste of St.Croix through my cooking and services.

“A person might not see the chef but they will surely remember their food”

-Kahlaya M Goodwin CC

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
So a good time for me and friends involves mostly food and good vibes. Some of my favorite food spots are Frank’s Pizza or Luige’s Pizzeria for quick eats, Belle Station & Lost & Found Midtown locations for a good brunch and great music. One of the most fun things to do in Houston is viewing the city by riding the electric scooters through downtown and seeing what the city has to offer.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I wanna give a S/O to my mom Julia Scatliffe & my sister Shadae Peters who are entrepreneurs in St.Croix and has been in business since 97. They both have continuously pushed me to be great and always there for me to lean on when the tough gets goings. I am grateful to have come from the strain of the Maranda Family & the Goodwin Family which both have cooks & bakers they are responsible for raising me to know what good cook food is. Also want to do shoutout all the people who have supported my business from the first day to this present day. I love AYOOO.!!!!

Instagram: Saveurcateringco_

Facebook: Saveur Catering Co

Image Credits
Travis Jarvis (T-Vision Photography)