Meet Joy Wige | Chef

We had the good fortune of connecting with Joy Wige and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joy, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
It was honestly out of desperation. I was working corporate restaurants and as a widow with three children I was struggling to keep up mentally, physically and financially.. Driving for Lyft in my off hours, trying to be at my children’s events and just burning the candle from both ends. It just wasnt working and I knew my work ethic and cooking skills were there I was just scared to take a leap without a paycheck.
I left the restaurant I was at and had been cooking for a few folks and mostly their dogs! Think all natural no sugar, no flour dog birthday cakes, cupcakes and food. From there I took the leap and started Hippie Chicks Catering out of my home.
My youngest was struggling with mental health and my number one priority was being there for him. Who knew it would all turn out when it felt like my world was crumbling at 50 years of age. Proof its never too late.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I learned to cook from my grandmother who raised 13 kids and also a few of us grandkids. Things were made from simple ingredients as feeding that many was tough. She was tough, resourceful and giving. I base my business practices on that. Also important is to make everything we can from scratch, to shred our cheese by hand, chop our own veggies, make simple seasonal food that looks and tastes amazing. We specialize in different dietary needs as far as gluten free, vegan, dairy free with our focus being on lots of plant based items. Since my own struggles giving back has been really important as well, donating to families battling cancer, donating to nonprofits and helping where we can. This has and will always remain our focus.
We also pay all staff at least $20 an hour minimum and try to create a kitchen without ego and as a team. The way I see it we all struggle at some time in some way, so I hope to make a few peoples lives a bit easier if I can.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well in a perfect world Vesta dipping grill would still be around and we would have one of my favorite meals. BUT since that isn’t an option. We might do a day trip to Estes for some rocky mountain fun. Find some live music. Red Rocks is a must. I am a huge fan of music and adventure even as I age. :0)
Maybe a lemon drop martini and dinner at Hillstone one day. Probably visit Wash Park with my dog Stanley. We may play some cornhole in my back yard or take on a Rockies game. Grab a burger from the Cherry Cricket.
If we had lots of time we would definitely do Ouray. and some hot springs. A few of my favorite Colorado things. However I am an avid whale watcher, so youll probably find me visiting California and the Pacific Northwest anytime I have a day off.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My children are my why now and always. I became a widow when they were 2, 5 and 7 and it was a struggle, but I am so grateful for every day and every struggle. It brought us closer and made me fight harder. They have watched and experienced us not having electricity, water being shut off and more. Through it all they have turned into beautiful people and are my everything. So for them to see my business turn into a company grossing over 1 million in revenue has been amazing. Their names are Taylor, Trevor and Lukas and I hope they and other young folks realize they dont have to figure it all out now, its ok. Life isnt a destination as they say.

Website: https://www.hippiechickscatering.ocm

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hippiechickscatering?igsh=MTNvb3l5OHVwbjNiOA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/C8rt5eSMxe4wvDPb/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Yelp: Hippie Chicks Catering