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June 28, 2010

Person You Should Know — Brandy Spears

By Ben Montgomery CNHI

MORRIS — Brandy Spears, a Morris native, bought Counts Catering from Carolyn Counts in January. Counts had been in business for 30 years before Spears bought the business. The business will now be called Brandy Spears Catering, Inc. Spears can be reached by calling 647-9937 or 337-4569, or by emailing her at bmspears@bellsouth.net.



• Do you feel like you have some big shoes to fill?

Oh, definitely. She was very well known around here. But, I’m not nervous at all. Everybody I’ve done a wedding for so far has said the food was great and that it looked beautiful. I have confidence in myself. Business has been great, and I’ve gotten some good feedback. I’m a good cook. Also, my husband helps me a lot; I couldn't do it without him.



• Have you ever catered before?

Maybe once before I bought the business, but not as a career. But, I’m passionate about it. I love making people happy with food. One of my specialties is my banana pudding cookies. People always request them, and they’re great at weddings. Another popular item is one of Carolyn’s recipes, bacon wraps.



• What did you do before you started the business?

I was in sales, and I did some interior design. I majored in interior design for two-and-a-half years in college, then switched to human environmental science, which is basically glorified home economics. I use my interior design background in my catering business; I do floral arrangements, too.



• What made you buy the business?

I know it sounds crazy, but I have always wanted to do this. Our family is close to Carolyn, and every time I would drive by her house I would think, “If she ever sells that business, I’m going to buy it.” I approached her about buying it, and there was another buyer already interested. I prayed about it, and I felt like God had put me here to do this. I have a 3-year-old daughter, and I can work out of my home and take care of her with this job. I can put her to bed and then start cooking, and I can be up as late as 1 a.m

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