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

Hi Alkyshia, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risk is the degree of probability of loss. We all know that In order to win big, you have to play big. Risks have recently played a huge role in my career as I’ve decided to retire from the military. The Navy is the only career I’ve had and now I’m choosing to take a leap of faith and take my business to the next level. It requires you to be restricted and make crucial sacrifices. Although the military has taught me so many things about my passion for cooking, it takes me away from my business which I love more than the military. Once I moved to San Diego, I took a risk starting my business with no support or guidance on how to operate. But as I said earlier, in order to win big, you have to play big.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a culinary specialist in the United States Navy. I’ve been enlisted for 9 years and this is the only job I’ve ever had. This job requires me to cook,clean, order food, inventory food, menu plan, etc. I am most proud that I took my passion for cooking and started my own culinary business. I have learned and experienced so much on the professional and entrepreneur side. I wouldn’t say I’m at a stellar level when it comes to business,but I got to where I am today by reading everything and investing in my knowledge. For example, taking free marketing classes, watching videos on content creating, finding mentors for budgeting and business planning, doing strategy calls, networking with other entrepreneurs. I’ve learned that even when you take a loss, it’s still a win. You learned something either about yourself or your customers. When I sell out at an event, it’s a victory. When I don’t sell out, it’s a victory because i get to give back to the homeless community. I learned to find the positive in every moment. I’m grateful for it all. What I want people to see is that if I can run a business single handily, with no loans…they can too. Use what you have and build on it. Enjoy the journey and don’t rush to get to the finish line.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We would eat breakfast at hash house a go go, then go to the harbor and jet ski. Afterward, we would eat tacos from taco el Gordo and then enjoy hookah and food at night at myst lounge.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to shout out Black San Diego for the networking and community. I would like to shout out Paving Great Futures for rewarding me with my very first grant to help grow my business.

Website: www.mealsbymac.org

Instagram: www.Instagram.com/meals_by_mac

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/meals-by-mac

Yelp: Meals By Mac

Other: Pinterest: Meals-By-Mac TikTok: mealsbymac

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal 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.