Meet Cortnee Williams | Owner, Coco’s Creations/Comfort Food Creator
We had the good fortune of connecting with Cortnee Williams and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Cortnee, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind my success and the success of Coco’s Creations has been my support system and my faith. I don’t do this alone. My grandmother gave me the foundation; teaching me that food is more than just a meal, it’s a way to love people. My mom, Joyce has been my rock and constant to strengthen my faith and remind me of what God can do if we just believe. My husband, Lonnie, is the steady hand that keeps me balanced when I’m juggling 10 pots and pans (literally). And my daughters Kennedy and Leah keep me motivated to push harder because they’re watching me chase this dream.
Another huge factor is authenticity. I don’t try to do what everyone else is doing; I cook from my heart, my culture, and my story. That’s why people connect with Coco’s Creations. When you eat my food, you’re tasting my family’s legacy, my laughter, and sometimes even my tears. Success to me isn’t just about sales, it’s about creating something that feels real, that sticks to people’s ribs and their souls.
And let’s be honest, a little humor doesn’t hurt either because if you can laugh with people while feeding them, you’ve already won.
What should our readers know about your business?
Coco’s Creations was born out of faith, family, and a whole lot of flavor. After spending years in education, I retired to pursue what had always been tugging at me- cooking. I wanted to build something that not only fed people’s stomachs but also their souls.
What sets Coco’s Creations apart is that it’s rooted in nostalgia with a twist; old school comfort foods, barbecue, and Cajun-Creole dishes that carry my family’s legacy but with my own creative spin. When you taste my food, you’re tasting my story.
Was it easy? Absolutely not. Stepping out of a steady career into entrepreneurship was scary. I had to battle self-doubt, learn the business side of things quickly, and balance being a wife and mom while trying to grow a brand from scratch. But I overcame those challenges with prayer, persistence, and my support system, especially my mom, my grandmother, Lonnie and my girls. They’ve been my taste- testers, my encouragers and my reminders that I can do this.
The lessons I’ve learned along the way? One: don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s. Two: keep showing up even when it’s hard. And three laugh often because there will be days when the only thing you can do is laugh at the chaos and keep going.
What I want the world to know about Coco’s Creations is simple: this is more than food. It’s love on a plate. It’s a legacy in the making. It’s proof that it’s never too late to pivot, follow your passion, and create something that matters.
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.
If my best friend came to Houston for a week, we’d eat our way through the city while soaking up the culture. First stop would have to be the Breakfast Klub- it’s a Houston staple, black owned and you can’t come here without trying those wings and waffles or my favorite the catfish and grits. For brunch or lunch with a vibe, we’d head to Moxie’s, because good food and good energy set the tone for the day.
At night, I’d switch it up maybe hit ultra Lounge for a night on the town, where the music and atmosphere never disappoint. Or for a stronger kick, Davenport’s if you know you know. For a more laid-back evening, I’d take them to Mad House Hookah bar, one of my favorite spots to relax and catch up over good vibes. And because no trip is complete without something sweet, we’d make our way to Guzel Cakes in Katy for a nightcap that satisfies every craving.
Houston is flavor, culture, and community-all wrapped into one and I’d want my friend to leave feeling like they got a true taste of it all.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shout out goes to my family because they are truly the backbone of everything I do. My mom, Joyce Woods is a retired educator of over 30 years, a fierce woman of god, and the definition of strength. She raised me as a single mother and now she’s the ride or die Nona to my girls. Everything I know about perseverance, love, and showing up for people I learned from her. She’s the kind of woman who never let circumstances define her, and that resilience is what fuels me today.
My husband, Lonnie, deserves credit for being patient when I’ve taken over the entire house with catering trays and spices and still cheering me on through every late- night prep and big event. My daughters, Kennedy and Leah, keep me laughing, motivated, and remind me daily why I’m building this legacy.
Website: https://cocoscreations40.wixsite.com/cocoscreations
Instagram: the_soulful_chef
Facebook: Cortnee Williams
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
