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

Hi Erwena, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The thought process and journey of starting my own business didn’t occur to me until the profound experience of becoming a mother to a child with autism. This pivotal life event reshaped my perspective, shedding light on what truly mattered most to my family. It underscored the importance of striking a balance between nurturing my family, raising my children and pursuing my passion for creating with food.

Rooted in Filipino culture, where values of hospitality and kindness are paramount, I found purpose in weaving these traditions into my journey. In our rich heritage, food serves as a powerful medium of expressing love and fostering togetherness—a means of extending warmth, kindness and generosity to guests as a symbol of welcome.

Eager to uphold these values instilled in me from my upbringing, I embarked on the path of launching a business fueled by this fusion of personal and cultural ethos. It became a mission to not only chase my dreams but also safeguard the essence of hospitality and family oriented values. I wanted to create a company that reflected these. This business would not only be a platform for my dreams and passions but also a way to honor the traditions that shaped me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets my work apart from others is my vision and approach in storytelling through my culinary creations and presentations. I strive to infuse every piece with emotion, passion, and a touch of magic that resonates with clients on a meaningful and memorable level! I am particularly proud of my ability to blend traditional techniques with modern aesthetic themes, creating a visual experience that is both timeless and elegant!

I take great care in intricately creating dishes by thoughtfully layering flavors and pairings to deliver a complete and fulfilling food experience. Attention to presentation details is essential, ensuring that the aesthetic appeal enhances rather than detracts from the taste experience. The dishes are visually appealing without being overly ornate, allowing for full enjoyment and savoring of the flavors.

I take care to incorporate all the key elements into my spreads, crafting a delectable mix of flavors and textures. As an example, when preparing a lox bagel, I layer on dill cream cheese spread, capers, fresh dill herbs, thinly sliced cucumber, ripe heirloom tomato, sea salt, pepper, a drizzle of olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon juice. It is a straightforward dish, yet elegantly and tastefully presented, providing a complete sensory experience. This process not only excites me but also allows me to engage with my clients!

My professional journey to reach where I am today has been a challenging yet rewarding one. It has been filled with obstacles and setbacks that I had to overcome. Through perseverance, dedication, and a deep passion for my craft, I have continued to grow, learn, and evolve as a caterer and business owner. Taking a step back to process, assess, and learn from each experience has been crucial in moving forward and achieving success in my career.

The lessons I have garnered through my journey have been truly invaluable. I understand the significance of resilience, patience, and self-confidence in running a business. Collaboration and building a supportive network or community have proven to be powerful tools in my growth. Every setback has served as a stepping stone for me to learn, adapt, and push forward.

What I wish to convey to the world about Bubbalou Catering and my brand is that my work is a reflection of my heart and soul. It is a manifestation of my innermost thoughts, dreams, and passion translated onto a table. Through my work, I hope to evoke feelings of joy, memories, wonder, and introspection in others. My story is one of growth, passion, and a deep seated love for the creative process, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share my journey with the world, all while raising my children and providing and nurturing my family.

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.
If my best friend were to visit Arizona for a week, I would make sure to treat them to some of the most breathtaking experiences our state has to offer. We would start by immersing ourselves in the beauty of Arizona’s stunning sunsets and desert landscapes, perhaps by going horseback riding or embarking on a wild horse sightseeing excursion at Wild Horse Pass.

During their stay, we would explore the vibrant city life of downtown Mesa and Phoenix, taking in the cultural offerings of museums and theaters. I would also take them on a culinary journey, introducing them to hidden gem restaurants as well as indulging in fine dining establishments to savor the local cuisine. Overall, I would ensure that my best friend’s visit to Arizona is filled with unforgettable experiences that showcase the diversity and beauty of our state.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am incredibly grateful for my significant other, Stevie. Recognizing that having a supportive partner is pivotal in achieving any goal, he has consistently been my rock, cheerleader, and source of strength through the ups and downs. Second, I draw inspiration from my children, who encourage me to persevere daily.

I am also grateful for my family, the autism community, my respected chef mentors and BLT Kitchens, as well as the incredible individuals on my team who have all played integral roles in my journey.

Additionally, I want to express my appreciation to the events, food and catering community, including businesses like YA Cakes and Catering, Thaily’s Restaurant, 6th Day Farms, All Trades XO, Call Christina Now, Events by Marina, MUSE Events and Management, Todd’s Bounce City, among others. These connections have all been true blessings in my life, and I am thankful to have them in my circle!!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bubbaloucateringllc?igsh=MTY2MHg3NHMxaDY0Mw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bubbaloucateringllc/reviews

Image Credits
Ali Hohn Photography

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