“Food is where my heart is. Food makes me happy.”
These are the words of Isa Clark, who as owner and founder of Clark’s Special Kitchen, wants to share his passion for food and make others happy, too.
Since 2022, Clark’s Special Kitchen has been serving the Kalamazoo community with some incredible Nigerian Fusion cuisine. Building his own business didn’t come without its challenges, but Clark didn’t have to do it alone.
He knew he liked cooking, and he had background in business, but he didn’t know how to take that passion to the next level. He asked for help from friends, started cooking for free, and had to do his own research. After finishing his food safety certification, he worked with Can-Do Kalamazoo, a small business incubator, and participated in their 16-week Can-Do Camp for entrepreneurs. Their courses helped Isa to develop his products and brand, acquire more marketing knowledge, start catering, and meet the licensing requirements needed to start his own kitchen. He knew he needed to investigate options for financing, and Can-Do staff directed him to Debi Howe, who connected him to the KIVA Loan Program, run through Kalamazoo LISC. That crowdfunding process was successful and got him off the ground with a loan that covered his initial license fees, equipment, and inventory. In spring 2023, Clark also found funding through United Way of South Central Michigan’s Kalamazoo Micro-Enterprise Grant program. He was able to use the $5,000 grant to purchase a Square register set, a commercial steam prep table, and other items such as pans, burners/warmers, and additional inventory.
Clark’s Special Kitchen can be found at the Kalamazoo Farmer’s Market, which he has found to be very instrumental to his business. Selling out each week, Clark showcases his brand and the delicious smells from his food, which he says is an important part of his marketing. He is passionate about growing the business, and he knows the importance of planning. In the near future, he is looking to purchase additional equipment to make his food more mobile.
He is honest about the hard work and personal sacrifice it takes to run a business. Clark believes that it is important to discuss your challenges and what you are going through with others, because you will sometimes be surprised with what people will offer.
“A problem shared is half solved,” says Clark.
The process of opening and running his business has been a dream come true, he added.
“The people who support you, the power of a positive mindset, and the passion I get to share with customers, partners, and my children – that’s what drives me and my business.”
Be sure to follow Clark’s Special Kitchen on Facebook (Clark’s Special Kitchen LLC) or Instagram (@clarksspecialkitchen).
For more information on our Kalamazoo Micro-Enterprise Grants please visit https://bit.ly/3MmLhOF.
