This week we chat to Colette Ragaval about her catering business, Colette’s Delicacies, which she uses to explore various cooking and baking techniques while meeting the needs of all her customers.
What type of catering services do you offer?
Weddings, birthday parties, baby showers, engagement parties, bulk catering for funerals, matric farewells, harvest events, canapé setups and other celebrations. We focus on quality, presentation, and customer satisfaction, ensuring every event is catered to perfection.
How and when did you decide to start your catering business?
I’ve had a love for cooking from a young age, and it has always been my passion to experiment with new flavours and share them with others. Over the years, I realised that this passion could be turned into a business. It was the growing demand for homemade, heartfelt meals that inspired me to officially start Colette’s Delicacies, combining my love for food with the desire to serve others.
What background or experience do you have in cooking and catering?
I have always had a deep love for cooking, which was nurtured by watching my late granny and mom in the kitchen. I would sit and observe, learning their time-tested recipes and techniques. I’ve also built a solid foundation in the food industry over the years. These diverse experiences have been key in shaping my catering approach, blending creativity with practical business knowledge.
Do you work alone?
While I manage most aspects of the business, I have a small but dedicated team that assists during peak times, especially when fulfilling large orders.
What are the top three aspects of catering that you prioritise?
Quality and taste. Consistency and reliability. Customer satisfaction.
What challenges have you encountered in your business, and how do you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges has been managing high demand during peak seasons while maintaining quality. I tackle this by planning ahead, optimising workflows, and working with a trusted team to ensure smooth operations. Another challenge is marketing and reaching new customers, but social media and word-of-mouth referrals have helped tremendously. The experience taught me resilience.
What are some of the goals or future plans you have for your catering business?
I aim to introduce a wider variety of meals to cater to a broader range of tastes and dietary needs, explore online ordering systems to make the process even smoother for customers, and one day own a larger catering business and acquire my own property.
What advice do you have for someone starting a business?
Start small and stay consistent. Build a solid reputation before expanding. Know your audience and cater to a specific need or niche. Choose quality over quantity. Marketing is key; make use of social media, word-of-mouth, and customer testimonials.
What are your contact details/social media?
Phone or WhatsApp:067-013-1977, Email: Colettesdelicacies2023@gmail.com, Facebook: Colette’s Delicacies.
