Distinctive-Cathie Caterers: A Story of Perseverance & Success

Distinctive-Cathie Caterers: A Story of Perseverance, Innovation & Success

In the world of catering, where competition is fierce and challenges are aplenty, one entrepreneur has managed to not only survive, but thrive. Meet Catherine, the mastermind behind Distinctive-Cathie Caterers, a catering business based in Bulawayo.

Catherine’s journey to success has been filled with ups and downs, valuable lessons, and a whole lot of passion, innovation, and excellence.

Catherine’s entrepreneurial path began in 2020 when she started her catering business. However, just as things were starting to take off, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, causing her business to take a major hit. But instead of throwing in the towel, Catherine saw this setback as an opportunity to pivot and innovate.

Impact of COVID-19

“After the impact of COVID-19 on my business, I knew I had to rethink my strategy and find new ways to stand out in the crowded catering industry,” Catherine shared during exclusive interview.

She added, “I started educating myself through food channels, YouTube tutorials, and inspirational talks from other chefs who have paved the way before me. Surrounding myself with inspiring chefs truly shaped the entrepreneur I am today.”

One of the key lessons Catherine learned during her journey was the importance of removing fear, being a problem solver, and constantly creating new products to cater to her clients’ needs.

Constantly Evolving

“In the catering business, you have to constantly evolve and adapt to the changing tastes and preferences of your clients,” she explained.

After two years of perseverance and hard work, Catherine achieved a milestone she had dreamt of – the birth of Distinctive-Cathie Caterers. The catering business prides itself on offering quality food at a low value, with a focus on flexibility and customer satisfaction.

“We make sure to provide menus that cater to all dietary needs, whether it be allergies, health restrictions, or in-season ingredients,” Catherine said.

She continued, “We work closely with our clients to create custom menus that reflect their cultures and religious beliefs, ensuring that their dining experience is truly unique.”

Collaboration

Apart from working closely with clients, Distinctive-Cathie Caterers also partners with content creators on social media, stays in touch with old clients, and collaborates with venues and other service providers to offer a comprehensive catering experience.

But success did not come without its fair share of challenges for Catherine and her team.

“One of the biggest challenges we faced was clients not paying up their balances on time,” Catherine shared. “To tackle this issue, we implemented a contract system where clients have to sign up and pay their balances before or on the morning of their event.”

Competition from other caterers and downtimes with no clients were also hurdles Catherine had to overcome. However, she pushed through by offering competitive prices, delicious food, and introducing new services like lunch deliveries and snack-making classes to keep her business afloat during slow periods.

To the Future

Looking to the future, Catherine has big plans for Distinctive-Cathie Caterers. She aims to expand to other cities like Harare and ultimately own restaurants around Bulawayo. But no matter how much her business grows, Catherine remains committed to recognizing her team’s efforts, celebrating their successes, and creating a positive working environment for all.

To aspiring entrepreneurs looking to enter the catering industry, Catherine has some valuable advice to share. “Do not give up, market and promote your business through social media and word of mouth, seek advice from professionals, and always keep personal and business finances separate,” she said. “Account for every cent that comes in and goes out of your catering business.”

In the world of catering, where success is hard-won and challenges are plenty, Catherine and Distinctive-Cathie Caterers stand out as shining examples of what dedication, innovation, and passion can achieve. Their story serves as an inspiration to all aspiring entrepreneurs, proving that with hard work, resilience, and a dollop of creativity, anything is possible.