Tiffany Williams is a culinary entrepreneur
HFC alumna Tiffany Williams is making a name for herself in the Metro Detroit culinary community.
Not only has she appeared twice on FOX 2 Detroit and Local 4, Williams’ Detroit-based company, Taste Tiff’s Catering, was recently spotlighted in an article in DBusiness.
“I’ve always had a passion for food,” said Williams, of Farmington Hills. “Growing up, I was a foodie. My father and I would travel to different states just to eat at a restaurant. I started cooking at about age 7. Later, I wanted to do something that I loved, so I decided to go to culinary school.”
Williams enrolled in HFC’s renowned Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management program.
“That’s a funny story,” she confessed. “Even though going to culinary school was my dream, I didn’t know where to start. The person I was dating at the time was aware of the program at HFC and registered me without even telling me! It was like a push – and it was a great push! I really appreciate that they did that.”
Going into business for herself was the best option
The youngest of three, Williams was born in Detroit. She graduated from Clintondale High School in Clinton Township. She earned her associate degree in culinary arts from HFC (then Henry Ford Community College) in 2013.
After graduation, Williams started her culinary company under the name Edgy Eats Catering. She was also head chef and operations manager at The Pasta Bowl in Detroit for five years and at the Detroit Taco Bar for three years. As Edgy Eats became more successful and expanded, something had to give.
“I ultimately felt it was a better fit, going into business for myself. The entrepreneurial side got bigger, and I couldn’t do both, so I had to choose. I decided to go with entrepreneurship,” she explained.
In 2017, she rebranded Edgy Eats Catering to Taste Tiff’s Catering. Williams spoke about what makes Taste Tiff’s stand out.
“My unique ability to create food fusions, which is bringing different ethnic cuisines together,” she said. “I also like to mix sweet and savory items.”
One of Taste Tiff’s signature dishes is Cajun-fried catfish with white cheddar gouda cheese grits topped off with lobster-lemon butter sauce and garlic shrimp. Taste Tiff’s also offers allergy-friendly catering, as well as gluten-free, organic, Kosher, vegan, and vegetarian catering. Williams also offers cooking classes, consulting, private chef services, and food styling.
“I would predict her success is only beginning”
Some of her more notable clients include the Detroit Athletic Club, Chase Bank, the City of Detroit, Little Caesars Arena, and Essence Magazine.
“I enjoy being my own boss,” said Williams. “I truly have a great work-life balance. Entrepreneurship can be tough sometimes – having a small business and funding it can be difficult – but I still value and appreciate every moment of every year.”
Williams attributed much of her success to the education she received at HFC.
“It’s a great program. I definitely learned a lot. It also helped me to explore different food palettes. One of my favorite classes was international cooking taught by Chef Jeffrey Click. It helped my business because I knew a big part of it was food fusion, which helped a lot. That class was one of my particular favorites,” she recalled.
Click expressed is proud of his former student's success.
“Tiffany is a very creative and imaginative person,” he said. “Not only does she have an outgoing and driven personality and work ethic, but she also sets goals, meets, and usually exceeds her own expectations. I am not surprised at all that she has become a leader in the hospitality business in the Detroit area. The only question in my mind is, how far she will go? Looking forward, I would predict her success is only beginning. I wish her the best.”