Meet Norma Edwards | Personal Chef & Caterer

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

Hi Norma, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
In 2015 I was diagnosed with Lupus and my life completely changed. My lungs collapsed, my kidneys failed and the doctors had to induce me into a coma to figure out what was going on with me. All praises to the most high that I made it through that journey but it was a long road to recovery. I started working at a retail store as a cashier and quickly moved up to the Human Resources Supervisor. During my time there my illness affected me off and on but the General manager didn’t truly understand my condition and still wanted me to perform duties that were hard for me to do. I used to go to work with my feet swollen and I would have to walk the floor to help customers. I was in and out of the hospital so much that I had to take a medical leave from work. When I returned with the restrictions my doctor gave me, it seemed like I was a bother. I felt like I was pushing myself to work in pain for someone that could replace me any day. I started to think that I needed to find a way that I could move on my own schedule and not overwork myself. When I was feeling good, I would do catering jobs on my days off and after a while everyone was encouraging me to step out on my own and start my business. So one day when my medical leave was almost up, I received a call from my GM and she asked me if I was coming back. I told her no and about a month later Daddyz Island LLC was born! Stepping out on faith gave me the ability to create a schedule that worked for me and my health. Starting my business was the best thing that I could have ever done.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Daddyz Island is a place where you can get everything on the Island! We cater, decorate and provide one on one chef experiences that you’ll never forget. My father was a international chef and his presentation would always grab you before you even tried the food so that’s a valuable piece that sets us aside from everyone else. I’m most proud about how my business has grown through just word of mouth. All of my clients heard about me from someone else and from there it was non stop! I’m must excited for where my business is about to go, I have so many new ideas and opportunities that are being presented to me. It’s beyond what I could even imagine but I’m forever grateful. One of the greatest lessons that I’ve learned in running a business is that it takes time, it may not happen overnight so you must be patient. When you want to give up think about your “why” and keep pushing yourself to higher heights. Don’t compare yourself to other entrepreneurs because your journey may not be the same. I want to encourage anyone that may have a illness or are afraid of new things, that you can do anything that you put your mind to and never give up on yourself! When people see Daddyz Island I want them to know that this business was built off of perseverance and mind control because some days it was hard for me to walk or even breathe but I pressed my way and made it happen!

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.
My number one thing to do is watch the sunrise on the beach! I love to see the calmness of the water and the different colors that the sun creates in the sky is beyond amazing. You have to go to the Coconut Grove Market on a Saturday and check out all the wonderful vendors like JD’s Veg Mex, Just Juice, UniTaste, Isabelsmiami, Bouza Brownies, Chellescutiepies, Sally with the simple syrups, Bangaravegan and many more! It’s such a wonderful atmosphere and great place to get all your natural essentials! I also love to take everyone that comes to visit me to the Jungle Queen Riverboat, that is the best site seeing experience ever especially the one that takes you to their private island!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The hardest thing to do is recognize everyone that has been a major pillar in the success of Daddyz Island because we have a tremendous support system! I have to give all praises to the most high God because without the vision none of this would be possible. To my father who is no longer with us, thank you for consistently instilling greatest in me and sprinkling down all of your secret recipes! To my mom, you always made me feel like I could conquer everything and I always believed you so here I stand! Thank you to my life partner, she had so much faith and confidence in this journey that she held us down when finances were tough and never second guessed that it would be a success! I also have a host of family, friends and spiritual leaders that encouraged me and believed in this journey so I say thank you to all of you and without you there would be no me! You are greatly appreciated.

Website: Www.daddyzisland.com

Instagram: Daddyz_island

Facebook: Daddyz Island

Youtube: Overcoming Lupus https://youtube.com/channel/UCv3mvIPT052S1rNBCqpXJOg

Image Credits
Darryl “PressureOnline” Sanford