Anja Stief: Dish and Design Catering

CW: When did you decide to go into the business you are in?
“The decision was made in 1999 to open a catering business in Charleston while running a successful catering business in Atlanta.”

CW: How do you find your passion?
“I look at my customers and their needs. Figuring out how we can help is something I really enjoy and am passionate about.”

CW: How have the past year’s challenges changed you?
“It’s been a trying year. We had to change how we did business, and I realized how supportive the community and my friends were when we were faced with no business. The support from our customers was amazing — emails, phone calls and supporting us whenever they could was truly humbling. I had to build some new ‘muscles’ this past year to survive in business.”

CW: Tell us about how you grew up and what or who shaped you into the woman you are today.
“I grew up in East Germany. It was a small town setting where everyone knew everyone. We had some livestock and a vegetable garden, and we did lots of canning and home cooking. My parents and grandparents worked a full day and also took care of the livestock and garden. I currently have my hands full with just two cats and two dogs these days. My mom and both of my grandmothers always worked and ran a household plus some, and they did it all without complaining. They still inspire me to this day.”

CW: Who influences you in your life currently?
“I don’t get to see my family as much as I would like, but my parents still influence and inspire me, along with my friends and church community.”

CW: If you could have dinner with anyone (alive or passed away), who would it be and why?
“Not a particular person, but I would have to go with both sides of my family. I realize my kids and I would have to do a lot of translating, but sharing a meal with everyone would be on the top of my list. Our families are a lot of fun, but a few things may not get translated correctly.”

CW: Tell us about your family.
“I have been married to my husband, Todd, for 23 years. Our son, Kemp, is a rising senior and will be attending College of Charleston this fall. Our daughter is a rising sophomore at Oceanside Collegiate Academy. Our family also runs a farm in Ohio, farming mainly corn, soybeans and wheat. Our kids both play travel soccer and help earn their gas money by helping in the catering business. We have two cats and two 7-month-old Boykin spaniels. We enjoy the outdoors and Lowcountry weather. We attend Seacoast Church in Mount Pleasant.”

Read More

Dish & Design: Customized Menus for Unique Needs
Dish and Design Catering: Growing After 16 Years in Business