Hidden Gems: Meet Portia Oakley of Fyee Plates

Today we’d like to introduce you to Portia Oakley

Hi Portia, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been cooking literally my whole life since I was a little girl. I come from a cooking family on both sides so it’s just naturally in me. I’ve cooked for family parties and friends FOREVER but just started this journey taking my passion serious a year ago when I took on my 1st catering gig and started my company “Fyee Plates”

It’s hard to find good quality food in the city and I knew I could bring it and so did the city. They were begging me to cook for the public so I did. I currently cook for “Golden Friday’s” upstairs at Yak and Yeti every Friday where one of my most requested item is the CATFISH “Dipped” of course in my homemade “Not your average Honey Hot Sauce”. I’ve heard from several sources that my catfish is the best in the city and it’s the most talked about right now.

I have a wide range of recipes that I curate and execute myself with a ton of flavor, love, and southern razzle dazzle, it’s addicting lol. I sell plates, do catering, private food orders, and personal chef requests.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Since I’ve started “Fyee Plates” it’s been smooth sailing. My only struggle I would say is learning to balance 2 businesses at once, I also run my own travel agent company called “Travel Junkies”

I’m confident in my business and ability to provide good flavorful food, I have the love and support I need and just looking forward to the future. “I got this, I’m made for this” I’m hoping to get a food trailer this summer and plan on starting a food fundraiser to help with the funding of that.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Fyee Plates is a food business that provides quality food that’ll have your taste buds doing backflips.

My style of cooking alone sets me aside from others especially when it comes to the flavors and the balance of seasonings I use. I call it RAZZLE DAZZLE. Not only that I curate and make all my recipes myself so majority of the food you see can only be ordered and made by me personally.

I’m most proud of myself for putting myself out there and showcasing my passion to the city and hopefully the world one day. I love seeing people’s face and reactions when they try my food it’s priceless and very heart warming which makes me continue doing what I’m doing for the city.

I want the readers to know that good homemade food is always right around the corner with “Fyee Plates” I do personal food requests, catering, and private chef requests.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My spouse Dionte Wilkins for being my backbone throughout it all and giving me opportunities along the way to help my business grow. My son Javion for always being mama’s right hand and sous chef when needed in the kitchen as he’s the only other person besides me that knows my recipes and how to execute them with love.

ALL my friends and family for pushing me to do what I love. Especially Tenner, Winter, Skyla, Jasmine, and Tyra. If I need anything they always got my back.

Villy mason and Jazli signed me up for the “Taste of the city” food competition secretly without my permission and I won. That was a huge motivational ego boost for me and my career and also gave me a chance to really show the city my skills and what I can bring to the city. Having the right support system when it comes to friends is really important and definitely matters. My friends push me even when I doubt myself or start to get that creative block.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fyeeplates?igsh=MTM2cGNtZXpwNXk5aQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15vmtzc8PC/?mibextid=wwXIfr