Meet Amaya Ford | Owner of Mya’s Catering Company

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

Hi Amaya, what are you inspired by?
I am inspired by my Grandfather and daughter everyday! They are the reason why I do what I do and I am truly thankful for that.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am the proud owner of Mya’s Catering Company! Where we bake nostalgic desserts with love in every bite. We’re bringing back the classic desserts that almost everyone has either ate or seen growing up. From Chocolate Chip Cookies, to Strawberry Shortcake Cake, we have all the nostalgic, warm feels. I am proud of the fact that I started a business and I am really doing it.

I got to where I am business wise by being a holder of a Bachelors Degree in Culinary Management and a Master’s Degree in Restaurant and Hospitality Management. Fast forward to my attendance in Connect all at the Jacob Center’s Accelerator Program, and here I am! It was not an easy journey at all. In fact, as soon as I started my business in 2018, I went back to school. After that I dabbled in my business here and there while holding down a full-time job for a nonprofit, a part-time job for a school district and being a mom. But late last year, I decided to take a leap of faith and quit my full-time job and go all in with my business. From then on, everything has been going extremely well for me personally and professionally.

The lessons I’ve learned are to take each day one at a time and learn when to say no. I can’t function as a human being if I am taking on so much and not giving myself time to rest. Even as an entrepreneur, it sounds fun to hustle as much as you can; but what good is that if you can’t enjoy the fruits of your labor too?

I want the world to know that we are here to bridge generational gaps and strengthen relationships one traditional, nostalgic dessert at a time. I pride myself on family traditions and how much they mean to me and my own family. At Mya’s Catering Company, we want to help others feel the same way with their families through our desserts.

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.
First, I would take her to El Real Taco Shop. That is my favorite taco shop in all of San Diego! They’re on the corner of Euclid and Imperial. From there we would go to Mission Beach and find the best spot to sit, relax and people watch. We would also go to the Donut Bar once..or three times. I love their red velvet donut and their vanilla bean donut too! I love driving around La Jolla and looking at the mansions in the hills. We would have dinner by the beach one evening and dinner on a rooftop another time.

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 want to give a shoutout to my family! They really support me and what I do on the daily. From helping me complete orders, to assisting me at pop up shops…I feel that without their encouragement and support, I would not be where I am today and moving forward.

Website: www.myascateringcompany.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myascateringcompany

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/myas-catering-company

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MyasCateringCo_

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myascateringcompany

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZRoE1Z1UYve-U6ggOopTGA

Image Credits
Kathy Chappell