Queenz Catering is more than the people’s food, it’s a support system for the culture!

For today’s Midweek Highlight on Da Gas Block, the team would like to Salute & shed light on a special business owner from the community that has persevered to earn: 22yrs clean from active drug addiction, her bachelors degree, 6 credits into her masters degree & the utmost respect from the DFW Hip Hop community! Ladies & Gentlemen, we present to you the CEO & Owner of Queenz Catering, Ms.Valerie Brass!

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Background

Prior to the inception of Queenz Catering in 2017, Valerie was a student who earned an Associates degree in Basic Psychology, and a Bachelors degree in Human Services. In addition, to excelling in school, she also wrote a few blogs for Nephews’ World about: DJ Tuss, Huncho 47, Sonny Cash, and Sweet Bennie Ray. However, only 6 credits away from her Masters degree she felt like there was something missing in her life… a higher calling!

The Process

So, one day when going to support her favorite Ft. Worth artist Jaio after he posted a Live From The Block (LFTB) battle rap event flyer, she fell in love with the sport of Battle Rap and found herself frequenting the events. Earning respect from OG Percy, Shiesty, and Trebo Dose amongst many others, they began to notice the strong support she was consistently giving! Thus, upon learning that the LFTB team welcomed her with open arms, she found herself being of service to them when they were in need of food for an event. After telling the leagues owner Osama The Great (LFTB) that she can cook, Osama gave her a shot to cater for a LFTB event. Hence, igniting the birth of Queenz Catering to the forefront with the help of her daughter/business partner Myra Yonta.

Valerie Brass & Myra Yonta of Queenz Catering

Myra Yonta & Valerie Brass of Queenz Catering

After a few reps catering, Ms.Val began to pickup clients from other locations by word of mouth & Queenz Catering began to spread quicker than a California wildfire. Catering for Next Level Radio, IamDallasHipHop, Rage on the Stage, Cree8ion Station, including a fashion show ran by Lisa Stark at the African Art Museum at Fair Park in Dallas, TX.

The Support

The Queen has built a respectable name for herself, by being of service to others. For instance, she has collaborated alongside & openly supported many names on the scene such as: DJ Dogstyle, Complete The Emcee, DA U.A., Original Soul, PiKaHsSo, Kinfolk Jack, Mozez Tha Great, John John Da Don, Lil Chill The Coolest, AJ Chaka, Kadillac, Sunshine Capone, PeeWee, T-Top, Boogie, Official, Deuce Deuce, King Kidd, including India for her Memorial Day event, amongst many others (Whew)… Even to the point that she has created her own dishes inspired by some of the artist on the list above. So far, through battle rap she has been able to go to: Bullpen Battle League in Atlanta, Deathwish Battle League in Shreveport, The Kulture events in Austin (SXSW).

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Favorite Dishes

Ms.Val has been known to put big smiles on the faces of those she feeds, especially when she is motivated to make a new signature dish. But, what makes her signature dishes so special is how she names them after some of her favorite artist. To name a few:

• PiKaHsSo – Banana pudding named after emcee PiKaHsSo
• Peach cobbler named after King Kidd
• Peach cobbler with fried dumplings called the Dez Anderson, inspired by artist Deuce Deuce
• 6lb Chicken Fajita Taco called The Big Rip , named after Dean Manuscript of Tri Coastal Radio
• A wing dish for Xavier Hicks of Ft. Worth called The X Factor  
• Orange wings called Sheila Nicole’s for artist Sheila Nicole
• The WTF You Thinking Nachos for Battle rapper Redd
• Peace Salad for Peace Chantel of Cree8ions

In the interim of building her business, there were moments that were quite challenging to say the least; Venue drama, unprofessional promoters or having to come out of her own pocket, to save the day… However, when you have people like  Chef Amelia Douse as one of your top supporters who leave a great impact on you personally & business wise, you become: grateful, focused, and keep it moving!

Closing Words

When asked about what kind of advice you would give a beginner/struggling caterer she said: “First of all they need to follow their dreams, be legit, get everything in writing, watch how they carry themselves & watch how they treat the customer because you can have the best food but if the attitude or spirit isn’t right people won’t support you”. She further says, “Queenz Catering is more than the people’s food, it’s a support system for the culture!” Moreover, to know this support system has expanded her brand to different regions, is a proud testament to the fact that hard work and consistency pays off! In fact, it pays off so much that her business partner/daughter Myra Yonta has launched another staple to the brand with Queenz Catering West, which resides in Las Vegas! When asked for a final statement the Queen Ms.Val said, “I would like to thank my family, my friends, and everybody that supports Queenz Catering!”