Meet Tia Robinson: Chef & Molecular Biologist

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

Hi Tia, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started my own business based on a personal experience. My father passed in 2016 and he had many health complications. His food intake wasn’t the best and it made me wonder had he shifted his eating would it have made a difference? In most homes food and fellowship (i.e Weekly Sunday Dinners, Holiday’s) is a welcomed norm. In my home growing up, cooking was a gift of love…but food doesn’t always love us back. I’ve always loved to cook so I starting trying to replace carb loaded or unhealthy ingredients with more healthy & fresh ingredients. Many people suffer from food related ailments and I wanted a way to allow people to still enjoy their favorites with a healthier twist. It’s not a diet but a lifestyle change!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Starting a business is never easy, it takes alot out of you mentally and requires a lot of TIME! Thanks to my parents, I’ve always been a hard worker so I utilize that mindset to thrive. What I think sets my business apart is my meal creativity. I remember dieting in the past and being bored with the food and eventually you fall off. I did a survey and most people said variety or familiar food items would motive them to continue. I made it a mission to recreate food that we all love to eat with healthy substitutes…lower carbs & low sodium. Low Carb Enchiladas with Dairy Free Cheeses & Sour Cream. Low Sodium & No Sugar added Jerk Chicken with Coconut Curry Cauliflower Rice & Steamed Cabbage, Brown Sugar Free Bourbon Salmon with Roasted Broccoli, and my personal favorite was a Sugar free Sticky Short Rib with Smoked Gouda Cauliflower grits! Cooking was the easy part, but finding a reliable staff and a kitchen space was HARD. At first I couldn’t find drivers who would actually show up, so I would have to deliver ALL the food after cooking ALL the food. I would be so tired and over worked I would literally be in tears. I often times thought this isn’t my journey…maybe I need to stop. I would pray and ask God for direction and eventually everything started to work out. I have people ask me often about starting a food truck or a brick and mortar. I don’t personally think having a building is the biggest sign of success. My success will come from me being able to help people reach their health goals and maintaining a healthy lifestyle!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well we definitely would need to grab a bite at Ruggles Black, they have a delicious health conscious menu! I would take her to the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center for the beautiful sights! Lucille’s in the museum district is a must as well. We would definitely need to have a meal at Grace’s because EVERYTHING on their menu is DELICIOUS and the frozen swirl Mimosas are my favorite! I love Cinco Ranch outside shopping Plaza as well…and it’s not far from Andretti Indoor Karting & Gaming! I love to try new restaurants it gives me ideas but on the flip side of that since I also cook I can be picky lol Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
When I first started this business I was a tad bit nervous, this was my second business but uncharted territory. I remember consulting my Mom and two of my friend’s Aisha DaCosta & Michelle Simpson. They all without hesitation said “DO IT” and gave me tips on how to start the process and be successful. I also had three other friend’s who ALWAYS & Consistently push my brand to others, give me leads, help share on social media, have helped deliver meals to customers, did my website, and even set up my Avery label account…Erika Ladd, Tendai Muradzikwa, and Melinda Shon. My amazing support system has made this growing business process less stressful! I love all of them for being selfless, even with their busy lives they make time to support my vision.

Website: www.kraveemealprep.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/kraveemealprep

Facebook: www.facebook.com/kraveemealprep