Conversations with Mikayla Figures

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mikayla Figures.

Hi Mikayla, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was a single mother going thru life i was homeless and got a job at tgi fridays in walker on alpine and kept my head up i had a coworker(now like a brother)from the grandville tgi fridays that i worked at years before allowed me and my daughter to stay in a spare bedroom until i was able to get an apt i was very blessed to have supportive and understanding bosses who worked with me even though i was going through alot i always came in and got my done very well. Then a tragic incident happened that brought me back to church to (Truth and Light Christian Ministries)and in one of the classes we talked about dreams and mine was to have my own restaurant i since then have set my mind on have a food truck and travel the world selling my food. I received my section 8 voucher and the church helped me with my security deposit and helped me move in. A few months later covid hit and i got laid off and i said myself now is the time i was tired of missing work or having to bring my daughter to work due to no baby sitter or car issues. There became It Figures Catering i sold plates so that everyone could try the food in hopes they would book caters. A family friend booked my for a birthday party and its like i started taking off plate and dessert sales picked up more caters came in i even word of mouth spread fast i even did my first pop up vendor event. i was a finalist in West Michigan Womens Readers Choice Awards for best caterer. 3 years later i needed more space by now section 8 was only paying $100 of my rent so i decided to let my section 8 go and moved into a duplex i also was only getting about $60 in food-stamps so i didnt renew them either i was ready to stand on my own. I have been in my place almost 3 years now surviving off my business and providing for my family i have not worked a regular job in 5 years and it has made it to where i dont need government assistance. I have social anxiety so doing pop up vendor events and popping my tent up outside my home has helped me break out my shell i love doing them now. Now that i can survive its time to get that food truck and i wont stop until my dreams come true

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road by far was not easy homelessness, car problems, slow weeks, having bariatric surgery took me off work for awhile, even sometimes bills causes a challenge when its your only source of income

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I have a catering business that also sells plates. My top 3 dishes are pot roast/soul food, Birria Tacos, and Cajun Stuffed turkey legs. I do offer so many other different plates like Chinese, indian, and munchie boxes. My desserts have definitely soared to the top as well as i sell slices and whole cakes

What are your plans for the future?
Moving to the west coast to expand the business and to gain more clients and my big plans and dreams is to get a food truck snd travel the world with my daughter selling my food

Contact Info:

• Facebook: https://facebook.com/ItFigsCatering