This week we chatted to Christel Fray of Stella’s Eats about her food business and how she shares her passion for creating delicious dishes.
Q: What type of food do you make?
A: I do mostly savoury dishes, variety of platters, desserts, and crunchies.
Q: How and when did you decide to start your business?
A: Honestly, it was always a dream since I was in high school. As a little girl, it always excited me. When my late mom cooked, I would stand and watch, I would taste and stir, anything to make me feel like a real-life chef. One of the subjects I did in high school was home economics and I flourished. Every practical we did make me realise more and more just how much I loved cooking and how cool it would be to one day own my restaurant one day.
This dream ignited a fire within me which led me to study hospitality right after I matriculated in 2003, where I would also have the most fun times in hotel kitchens assisting the chefs. Life took many turns and I unfortunately could not complete my full course. I resorted to making our home kitchen my ‘hotel kitchen’ and in 2013, someone asked me if could make them a platter and charge for it. After the review I was given by that customer I posted my first meal special and from there, things just sparked for me. That is how Stella’s Eats came to be.
Q: How did you learn to make these dishes?
A: I learnt the basics of cooking from my mom. I assisted her with minor cooking chores; these tasks kindled my interest in cooking, which later on turned into passion and obsession. Cookbooks, magazines, cookery shows influenced my learning process significantly.
Q: What are some of the most popular dishes that you sell?
A: Some of my most popular dishes (there are so many: cheesy jalapeno chicken nuggets, dunked wings, all meat platter, the wrap platter, and the butter chicken.
Q: Do you work alone?
A: I’m very particular in how I want certain things to be done, so I’ve always preferred working alone. My sister and daughter help when I ask them to, but most of the time I work alone.
Q: How has the support from the public been so far?
A: The support has been great. I’m really grateful for the public/ customers unfailing support. It makes me so happy when I see and get to hear just how the public appreciates the love I put into my cooking.
Q: With the festive season almost in full swing, what are some of the options that you have available?
A: This year I don’t have much planned. I will only be doing desserts and my famous Stella’s Eats crunchies. My daughter leaves for university next year and I would like to spend as much time with her.
Q: Are there any challenges that you have encountered in your line of work, and how do you overcome them?
A: The only challenge I really have is time. As I have a day job, I’m not able to take many orders during weekdays.
Q: What are some of the goals or future plans that you have for your business?
A: I would really like to get to a point where I am able to cater for much bigger events like weddings and funerals. One of dreams I’ve also always had was to have a Stella’s Eats branded food truck. God willing, this is one that can become a reality soon.
Q: What advice do you have for someone who is also interested in starting their own business?
A: If you have a dream, don’t just sit there. Gather the courage to believe that you can succeed and leave no stone unturned to make it a reality. Don’t think about the ups and downs too much, just stay balanced and always focus on the bigger picture.
Q: Is there anything else you would like our readers to know?
A: To my loyal customers and future customers thank you so much for your unwavering support. I truly appreciate how you have helped Stella’s Eats grow.
Q: Where can our readers find you? (contact details/social media)
A: Email: chriscfray@gmail.com, Facebook @ Stella’ s Eats.
