Today we’d like to introduce you to Reuben Mickles.
Hi Reuben, 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 grew up in the suburbs of Washington, DC, but some of my most formative moments in the kitchen came from time spent in North Carolina with my grandmother. She taught me the heart of Southern cooking—patience, intention, and the importance of feeding people with love. Those early experiences shaped not only how I cook, but why I cook.
Wanting to build on those foundations, I later attended culinary school in Atlanta, where I learned classical techniques and gained a deeper understanding of the discipline and structure behind professional cooking. That combination of traditional Southern roots and formal culinary training became the foundation of Taste of Heaven Southern Kitchen.
What began as cooking for family and friends gradually evolved into a business as demand grew and word spread. Over time, I expanded into full-service catering, weddings, and corporate events throughout the Charlotte area, always focused on creating elevated Southern-inspired experiences.
Today, Taste of Heaven Southern Kitchen reflects my journey—honoring where I come from while continuing to grow with purpose, passion, and community at the center
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. There were many moments where I had to bet on myself without knowing how things would turn out. In the beginning, I bootstrapped everything financially and leaned heavily on family and friends to help with labor, often just to make it through events and keep the doors open. It wasn’t glamorous—it was exhausting, humbling, and at times overwhelming.
Navigating entrepreneurship without any formal business training was one of the hardest parts. I was learning in real time, making mistakes, and figuring things out under pressure while trying to compete in an already crowded culinary scene. Finding the right people to work with was another challenge; trusting others with something you’ve built from the ground up doesn’t come easy, especially when every decision feels personal.
The pandemic was a breaking point in many ways. Like so many in hospitality, we were forced to adapt quickly or risk losing everything. That period tested my resilience, faith, and commitment to the vision. In 2022, I made the difficult but necessary decision to rebrand the company. It meant letting go of what was familiar in order to create space for growth and clarity.
Looking back, those struggles shaped me as much as they shaped the business. Every setback taught me something about perseverance, leadership, and staying true to your purpose—even when the road feels uncertain.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am the founder of Taste of Heaven Southern Kitchen, a full-service catering company specializing in elevated Southern-inspired cuisine. What I love most is taking familiar comfort foods and transforming them into something memorable through thoughtful flavors, refined technique, and intentional presentation.
I’m most proud of building this business from the ground up—through trial, sacrifice, and a lot of faith—while staying true to my roots and values. What sets us apart is the heart behind what we do. We care deeply about the details, the people we serve, and the experience as a whole. For me, it’s never just about the food—it’s about creating moments that feel meaningful and unforgettable
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I’d love your readers to know that following your passion takes courage, patience, and persistence. Building Taste of Heaven Southern Kitchen has taught me that the journey is just as important as the destination—every challenge, mistake, and milestone shapes who you become as a business owner and as a person.
Above all, I hope people feel inspired to trust their own vision and invest in what they love. For me, everything I do is guided by faith—I truly believe that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Food has the power to bring people together, create joy, and leave lasting memories, and I feel blessed to use the gifts I’ve been given to serve others in that way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tasteofheavencafe.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tohsokitch/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tohsouthernkitch/
- Twitter: @tohsokitch
