For Rayelle Wells, food is a love language. The chef is cofounder of baking and catering co Sizzlin Sistahs, which she runs with three others.

Rayelle has tapped into a number of local entrepreneur resources, including Greater West Dayton Incubator’s Urban Elevation Accelerator, Launch Dayton Startup Week, and the Flyer Pitch competition. Read on to learn more about her journey.

INTRODUCE YOURSELF — WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT IS YOUR COMPANY?

I am Rayelle Wells, 25 years young, chef/baker of Dayton, Ohio. My company is Sizzlin Sistahs LLC, a catering and baking company offering delectable cuisine and desserts to the community.

HOW DID YOUR COMPANY START?

My company stared with a life-long dream and dedicated team. My partner Chevae Wilcox, my sisters, Araya Wells and Dairrion Smith, and myself, put together our passion for food and business. We launched in November 2021, so we are celebrating two years in business this month! It began as short order-style cooking for late night crowds doing deliveries. Then we upscaled into catering and then tapped into the custom cakes and desserts.

WHY THIS IDEA?

As a child, I always loved food and the overall culinary lifestyle. Growing up, I watched the food network with my grandfather, and he would teach me skills and recipes. It was like it was destined to be. Cooking is my love language, and food is how I express myself! I always wanted to be a chef. So this idea was fueled by passion, it gave me purpose.

DID YOU ALWAYS WANT TO BE AN ENTREPRENEUR?

Yes!

THE LAUNCH DAYTON COMMUNITY VALUES ARE: 1. BE BOLD 2. ALL ARE WELCOME 3. PEOPLE FIRST 4. GIVE FIRST 5. REMOVE BARRIERS. HOW DO YOU EMBODY ONE OR MORE OF THESE VALUES?

Being in a service business, it is essential to put people first. I believe in “lose yourself in the service of others.” This is so impactful. To put others first is to have humility. And I believe in being a cheerful giver! To give love, to give support, to give thanks, to give peace and so much more. I give love when I create meals and desserts for my clients. I give passion. These values are important and impactful to our community.

WHAT IDENTITIES OR LIFE EXPERIENCES DO YOU BRING TO ENTREPRENEURSHIP THAT HELPED PREPARE YOU FOR THIS LIFESTYLE?

I am resilient. I bounce back no matter what, and I don’t let setbacks define me. And I understand how important it is to pivot in this entrepreneurial life. Things change, and you have to be able to keep up and keep going.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST BARRIER YOU’VE FACED ON YOUR ENTREPRENEUR JOURNEY?

I honestly cannot think of one at the moment. I have been truly blessed. Where one door closed, another opened. I haven’t really had time to focus on the barriers, only the opportunities.

WHY DO YOU LOVE WHAT YOU DO?

I love what I do because it is who I am, who God called me to be! I love that I am able to artistically express myself and create change, unity, love and exceptional food, one plate at a time, to build up my community through my love language, food!

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU OFFER FELLOW OR ASPIRING ENTREPRENEURS?

TO NEVER SETTLE! Life is too short and too great! Never give up, for every NO, there is a YES waiting for you! Stay driven and determined. Always put your best foot forward! You only get one first impression. No matter what, always have FAITH!

Connect with Rayelle @SizzlinSistahs on FB or @ss_toptiercakery on IG

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