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

Hi Melissa, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind the success of my brand for me, would be a strong commitment to delivering value and building meaningful relationships with our customers. Also, staying consistent while focusing on being authentic and providing customer satisfaction. We have been able to foster trust and loyalty even with our shortcomings every now and then, because the reality is, no one is perfect. Additionally, our ability to adapt to market trends and remain agile in an ever-evolving industry has played a crucial role in sustaining and growing our brand’s success.

What should our readers know about your business?
About Our Business:

At Meals By Mel, we specialize in bringing the authentic flavors of Southern cuisine to our customers with a personal touch. Founded in 2016 during my time in college, the business started as a small plate service catering to the local community in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and has since grown into a full-scale catering operation. Today, we proudly offer services for all types of events, including weddings, corporate gatherings, and private parties. In addition to catering, we provide meal prep services, share cooking tutorials on YouTube, and have recently launched a soft version of our homemade seasoning line.

Our tagline, “A taste of home, away from home,” truly embodies the essence of our brand. We aim to create comforting, soulful meals that remind our customers of home, no matter where they are. Whether it’s our signature Cajun pasta, smothered baked chicken, or gumbo, we strive to make every dish an experience of warmth and nostalgia.

What Sets Us Apart:

What sets us apart is our deep commitment to authenticity and community. As a Black-owned business, we take pride in showcasing the richness of Southern culinary traditions and SPICE while also creating a welcoming space for everyone to experience the flavors that shaped my own upbringing. Our dedication to quality, customer satisfaction, and personalized service makes us stand out in a competitive market.

Pride and Excitement:

I’m most proud of how far we’ve come since our humble beginnings. It’s incredibly exciting to see our growth—from starting with small plates at local events to now offering full-service catering, meal prep, and even seasoning products. We’ve also connected with so many wonderful clients who’ve become loyal supporters of our brand, which is truly a blessing.

The Journey:

The road to where we are today hasn’t been easy. Like any small business, we’ve faced our fair share of challenges, from limited resources early on to navigating the complexities of scaling the business. But through persistence, creativity, and a strong support network, we were able to overcome these obstacles. One of the key lessons I’ve learned is the importance of adaptability and staying true to my vision. Every setback is a learning opportunity, and I’ve grown both personally and professionally through every challenge.

Lessons Learned:

Some of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned along the way include the importance of financial management, the power of branding, and the necessity of building strong relationships with customers and partners.

Our Story and Brand Message:

What I want the world to know about our brand is that we’re not just about great food—we’re about creating experiences that make people feel at home, wherever they are. Our story is one of resilience, passion, and a commitment to excellence. We’re here to share the flavors of home and help our customers make memories that last a lifetime.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There’s a few spots food wise that I would take anyone who may visiting starting with: The Breakfast Klub for brunch, Frenchy’s Chicken for lunch, Grace’s for a nice dinner or Pappadeaux. If they wanted more of soul food then I’d suggest Mikki’s Cafe or The Greasy Spoon.

Hangout spots: Prospect park for a quick drink, or Nameless. Night time fun: The Address or scooter riding downtown.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I think my village deserves the acknowledgement, which consists of my parents, brothers, childhood friends, college friends/mentors. However, above all, GOD! He has truly been the source of my strength throughout this whole process.

Website: https://www.mealsbymelissa.com

Instagram: _mealsbymel

Linkedin: Meals By Mel

Twitter: _mealsbymel

Facebook: mealsbymell

Youtube: @mealsbymel9609

Image Credits
@shotbytony_

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