Chef Rene Johnson turned a love of soul food into a seven-figure catering business by doing something many entrepreneurs struggle to do: transforming talent into a scalable business.
As the founder of Bay area-based Blackberry Soul Fine Catering, Johnson has elevated traditional soul food into a sophisticated catering experience for major corporations and high-profile events. Her menu reimagines familiar favorites with fresh, scratch-made vegetarian and vegan options while maintaining the flavors and traditions passed down through generations.
The business has grown dramatically since its first year, when Blackberry Soul generated $60,000 in revenue while catering small gatherings of about 12 guests. In 2026, the company generated $1.6 million in revenue and catered major events serving as many as 2,500 guests.
Johnson credits that growth to a shift in mindset. Rather than continuing to think like a small business owner, she began operating like the CEO of a larger company, building the structure and relationships necessary to support growth.
Her experience has also shaped the lessons she now shares with emerging women entrepreneurs.
Know your numbers. Johnson emphasizes that pricing cannot be based on guesswork. Entrepreneurs need to understand their costs, recognize the value of their work and know what the market will support.
Build systems. Growth becomes difficult when every decision and process exists only in the owner’s head. Creating systems allows a business to operate efficiently and scale beyond its founder.
Relationships matter. Johnson’s journey demonstrates how professional and community connections can open doors that talent alone may not. Her client list includes Google, Facebook, Salesforce, Uber, Nordstrom, USC and the City of San Francisco.
Make your story part of your brand. Johnson sees authenticity as an important competitive advantage, particularly for entrepreneurs building businesses around their personal experiences and talents.
Her accomplishments have earned recognition beyond the kitchen. Johnson was named 2025 Powerful Women of the Bay’s Entrepreneur of the Year, and her work has received media attention from outlets including KTVU FOX 2, Business Insider, CBS News, Alive Magazine and KRON4 News.
Johnson has also expanded her mission beyond catering with Link and Thrive, a membership community designed to connect women entrepreneurs. She currently mentors 100 women, helping them build relationships and grow their businesses.
For Johnson, the lesson is bigger than food. Her journey shows how a skill, when paired with strategy, systems and relationships, can become a business built to serve thousands—and create opportunities for others along the way.