Today we’d like to introduce you to Maxine Huggins
Maxine, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Sure! I’d love to share my bio with you…. 🙂
Maxine Huggins 45, happily married with two beautiful children is an Creative Visionar and Charcuterie Chef Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in North Carolina.
From unemployed to owning an Empire, Originally hailing from Philadelphia, PA, Maxine Huggins has always had a flair for creativity and Entrepreneurship. In 2021, she brought her talents to North Carolina, where she continues to innovate and inspire.
With a background rich in artistic ventures, Maxine Huggins has successfully owned and operated multiple businesses that reflect her diverse talents, starting her first business at the age of 24 with her husband Chef Will; which started by stepping out on faith creating a Craiglist Ad. From decorating weddings, customizing centerpieces, crafting delectable treats, carving watermelon cakes designing custom lamps, sharing her musical talents, excelling in catering, and now crafting beautiful Charcuterie Boards, she has proven herself a versatile and dynamic woman.
Her latest venture, “Max Did That Creations” is a collection of things she creates. From Raleigh, North Carolina’s first Mobile Charcuterie Cart to her handmade “Diva Lamps” she exemplifies her knack for identifying unique market opportunities and delivering exceptional service. Her Mobile Charcuterie Cart concept has quickly become a favorite for both private and corporate events, showcasing her ability to blend creativity with business acumen.
Beyond her business endeavors, Maxine Huggins is deeply committed to her community and empowering other women through her non-profit organization, Entrepreneur Chick.â„¢ where she educates women on how to obtain an LLC, find business funding, and teach them how to start a business with little to no funding. Maxine also has a passion for the youth and educating them on Entrepreneurship. Maxine has volunteered at a host of schools in North Carolina for career day, inspiring them to create and be great, which has led up to her launching her second non-profit OSA (Own Something Academyâ„¢) in 2025, hoping to have a mandated Entrepreneurial course in all Elementary, Middle and High Schools as she believes that children should be educated on Entrepreneurship early and have a choice rather to go to college or start a business after they graduate.
Maxine’s journey is a testament to the power of creativity, resilience, and community. Her dedication to helping others and her ability to seamlessly integrate art with business make her a true inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs. From Philadelphia to North Carolina, she continues to leave a lasting impact on her community and beyond.
With every new project, Maxine raises the bar for creativity and entrepreneurship, embodying the spirit of innovation and the relentless pursuit of dreams. Her story is one of passion, dedication, and the unwavering belief in the potential of women entrepreneurs. She’s one to definitely keep an eye on!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Starting a business at a young age is never easy, and for me the path to success was anything but smooth. Embarking on my entrepreneurial journey with passion and determination, I quickly discovered that the road to building a thriving catering business was fraught with unexpected challenges.
In the early years, I faced the harsh reality of dealing with jealousy and negativity from some clients. These individuals, instead of celebrating my talent and hard work, sought to undermine my success. They used my services only to turn around and spread falsehoods, leaving damaging reviews that threatened to tarnish the reputation I worked so hard to build.
These experiences were disheartening, but I refused to let them define me or my business. Instead of succumbing to the negativity, I chose to rise above it. I doubled down on my commitment to excellence, ensuring that every event I catered was a testament to my skills and dedication. I engaged with my loyal clients, who became my strongest advocates, and focused on delivering exceptional service that spoke for itself.
Over time, the tide began to turn. The quality of my work and the genuine relationships I built with satisfied clients started to overshadow the noise of those who tried to bring me down. Through resilience and an unwavering belief in my vision, I not only overcame these early obstacles but also emerged stronger and more determined than ever.
My journey is a powerful reminder that adversity can be a stepping stone to greater achievements. having transformed my challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation. Today, I stands as a successful entrepreneur with amazing clients who leave positive reviews and show appreciate for my elite services. My story is one of resilience, courage, and the relentless pursuit of excellence—qualities that continue to drive me forward in every new venture I undertake.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What I Do:
At the heart of my work at Max Did That Creations is a passion for creating custom “Diva Lamps” and curating exquisite Charcuterie Boards that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. My Diva Lamps are beyond unique and stunning! My boards are a thoughtfully arranged selection of premium meats, artisan cheeses, fresh fruits, nuts, and accompaniments, all designed to delight the senses and elevate any gathering. My Mobile Charcuterie Cart allows me to bring this experience directly to clients, whether they’re hosting an intimate party or a large-scale corporate event.
What I specialize in:
I specialize in making people happy, catering to their budgets, and bringing their visions to life; which is the reason behind “The Smiles” section on my website www.maxdidthatcreations.com
What I’m Known For:
I’m known for my meticulous attention to detail on my Diva Lamps, and my ability to transform a room or simple grazing board into a work of art. And I’m now known for having Raleigh’s First Mobile Charcuterie Cart!
What I’m Most Proud Of:
One of my proudest achievements is making history….Back in Philadelphia in 2015, I became the First African American/Women Owned Catering Company to Cater an Event/Wedding at the Free Library of Philadelphia’s central location. Now in 2024, I’ve become the First African American/Women Owned Catering Company to own a Mobile Charcuterie Cart business in Raleigh, North Carolina!
To create this niche in the Raleigh food industry, bringing this concept to life has made me extremely proud and has allowed me to combine my love for food, art, and hospitality in a way that brings joy to others. I’m also incredibly proud of the relationships I’ve built with my clients, many of whom return time and again for the quality and creativity I deliver.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up in the vibrant streets of North Philadelphia, I was a true tomboy at heart. I was an energetic lil girl with a competitive spirit whom had and still does a love for Hip-Hop. You could either find me racing up and down the street playing tag, competing, playing Mortal Combat at the Chinese store for money, or leading a corner freestyle rapping/spitting bars for street recognition.
Surrounded by my younger brother Michael and a close-knit group of friends, I was known for my infectious energy and love for others, which was deeply influenced by my late mother Pauline Hamilton , who instilled in me the values of love, generosity, and street smarts. This foundation helped me to navigate the complexities of life in North Philadelphia, teaching me how to be both compassionate and savvy in a world that demanded resilience. I sure hope I’m making her proud!
Pricing:
- Charcuterie Cart Rental- starting at $300
- Charcuterie Boards, Cones and boats-Starting at $10/ea
- Catering packages-Starting at $15pp
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/max_did_that_creations/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaxDidThatCreations/
