The following blog post was contributed by Daryl Myers Jr., owner of DJ’s Cheesecakes and a graduate of Second Harvest Food Bank’s Providence Culinary Training:
I am a child of God, a father of three, a soon-to-be husband, and the owner of DJ’s Cheesecakes, LLC. I am also a proud graduate of Second Harvest Food Bank’s Providence Culinary Training (formerly known as Triad Community Kitchen).
My past choices in life have lead me on many detours, but Providence helped make a path for me.
My hand was shaking the whole time I was writing this letter (pictured below) to Goodwill, making application to Providence Culinary Training, a little over 2 years ago. But I knew I needed to do it, all to position myself to grow for the better of my family.
They looked out and gave me the scholarship to start the culinary class at Second Harvest Food Bank… everything else since then has been a blessing.
Through the ups and the downs, a blessing.
Initially, I wanted to start my own food truck when I graduated from the program, but then we made cheesecakes in class one day — and I found my niche.
With the support of my family, friends old and new, and the overall support of Second Harvest Food Bank, Providence Culinary Training, and of the whole the community, DJs Cheesecakes has been able to thrive for almost a year and a half! With a lot of growth on the horizon and God’s watchful eye I will continue to push my brand and build within the community!
Are you a Providence Culinary Training graduate who would like to share your success story with us? Contact Jenny Moore at jmoore@secondharvestnwnc.org
