Welcome to our WBE Spotlight Series! Today, we’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on Maya Rotman-Zaid, President and CEO of BellaRu Catering. Join us as we delve into Maya’s entrepreneurial journey and uncover the driving force behind her success in the catering industry.
What inspired you to start your own business?
Maya started BellaRu Catering in 2017, after overwhelming requests from her clients for her food and services (who can say no to that?) So she rented a 4100 sq ft commercial kitchen in Highland Park, IL, a northern suburb of Chicago! Her approach was always to give our clients the best possible food options – multi-cultural cuisine made from authentic recipes at a great price.
What is a business milestone or achievement that you are most proud of?
We survived the Pandemic and grew into a business that not only has grown throughout the time, but has also made giving back part of our company mission.
What challenges have you faced as a woman business owner, and how did you overcome them?
Everyday I have to deal with men who talk down to me because I am a woman. Whether a chef, cook, sales rep, other business owner, they seem to think that I don’t know how or don’t have experience because I’m only in my 40’s and female. I overcome this by showing them everyday who I really am by continuing to accomplish what I set my mind to with or without help. In the kitchen I show them how I can cook it better and faster than anyone else.
What advice would you give to aspiring women entrepreneurs?
Use the doubt and jealousy of others to propel you forward. Prove to them you are better than that and you can do it…all by yourself if you have to. Women are resilient, we are born leaders, it’s about time men realize this and stand beside us instead if in front of us.
About BellaRu Catering
BellaRu Catering is a boutique catering company established in 2017, specializing in custom menus and events ranging from ethnic to elegant cuisines. They also operate three specialty food brands: Mis Dos Magos (Mexican), Pana (Venezuelan), and Nina’s Empanadas and Dumplings, available on their F&B website.
Women are resilient, we are born leaders, it’s about time men realize this and stand beside us instead if in front of us.