17. TrooRa Magazine The Black History Issue Special ’23

asking what we can do to make things better. To Chef VanTrece, marginalized communities are called that for a reason, and it is our responsibility to help find solutions to these real-life issues. There need to be better resources and platforms for true engagement with financiers. Minorities themselves must take the initiative to learn how to establish relationships with banks and know when to cut ties if the relationships are no longer mutually-beneficial. She does think improvements are being made by many organizations to remove barriers, to educate, and to mentor. And even though things are moving in the right direction, there is still a long way to go. Despite all the obstacles— with neither a roadmap showing her the way nor counselors steering her accomplished a lot. For that reason, she is committed to providing mentorship and helping the next generation. As far as her business in the right direction— she does feel she has empire goes, the next step is to expand outside of the Atlanta area. The exact locations are yet to be decided, but the process has already begun. In addition, another cookbook is in the making. When asked about her favorite cuisine, she says she simply loves good food and does not have a strong preference. However, when she feels down, her go-to is always the traditional African American soul food. “Like my mother would make,” she says.

Duck Pot Pie

@CHEFDEBORAHVANTRECE @TWISTEDSOULCOOKHOUSE @OREATHASATTHEPOINT @RESTAURANTSERENIDAD WRITTEN BY: @DIGITALWONG

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