Today we’d like to introduce you to Santiago Camargo.
Hi Santiago, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story is really about taking a chance, adapting, and building something from the ground up.
I originally came from Venezuela, and I moved to the United States in 2015 with the goal of creating a better future and new opportunities for myself. Like many immigrants, starting over in a new country meant learning a different culture, adapting, and figuring things out along the way.
Food and hospitality have always been a big part of who I am. Over time, I realized I wanted to turn that passion into something of my own, something where I could be creative, connect with people, and build a business that reflected my personality and values. That’s how Kalla Catering started.
What began as an entrepreneurial vision has grown into a catering and hospitality business serving private dinners, weddings, corporate events, and special celebrations. I’ve worked hard to develop not just the food, but the entire experience. I believe people eat with their eyes first, so presentation, attention to detail, and making every event feel special are just as important as the flavors.
Building the business hasn’t always been easy. I’ve had to wear many hats, from planning menus and managing operations to marketing, purchasing equipment, finding clients, and being hands-on at events. But every event, every client, and every challenge has taught me something and helped me grow.
Today, I’m proud of how far Kalla Catering has come, but I also see it as just the beginning. I’m constantly looking for new opportunities, new concepts, and ways to expand. For me, entrepreneurship is about more than making a living; it’s about creating something meaningful, having the freedom to bring ideas to life, and building a future for my family.
I’m still learning, still growing, and still hungry for what’s next.
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?
Definitely not. It has been a journey full of challenges, unexpected turns, and a lot of learning along the way.
One of the biggest challenges was starting over in a new city, I had to adapt to build connections from scratch, understand a new market, and figure out how to turn an idea into a sustainable business.
Another challenge has been learning how to balance creativity with the business side. Having great food and ideas is one thing, but pricing correctly, managing expenses, finding consistent clients, handling competition, and making sure every event is profitable are completely different challenges.
There have also been slow seasons, difficult clients, unexpected expenses, and moments when things didn’t go according to plan. But I think those experiences have been some of my greatest teachers.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that entrepreneurship requires patience, resilience, and the ability to adapt. You have to be willing to make mistakes, learn quickly, and keep moving forward even when things aren’t going your way. I wouldn’t say the road has been smooth, but every challenge has helped me become a better business owner and a stronger person.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Kalla Catering is a catering, Event design and hospitality business based in Southwest Florida, specializing in creating memorable food experiences for private events, celebrations, weddings, corporate gatherings, and in-home dining experiences.
What we do goes beyond simply preparing and serving food. We focus on creating an experience from beginning to end. Our services include customized menus, private dinners, appetizer and grazing displays, interactive food stations, buffet-style catering, and full-service events. We enjoy working with different cuisines and bringing together Latin, Mediterranean, American, and international influences to create menus that fit each client’s vision.
One thing that sets Kalla Catering apart is our attention to presentation and detail. I strongly believe people eat with their eyes first. The way food looks, how it’s displayed, the atmosphere, and the overall experience are just as important as how it tastes. We want every table, every dish, and every event to feel thoughtfully designed rather than something copied from a standard catering menu.
We also take pride in being flexible and creative. Every client and event is different, so we enjoy developing customized concepts instead of offering the same packages to everyone. Whether it’s an intimate dinner at an Airbnb, an elegant seafood display, a large celebration, or a corporate event, we try to bring something unique to the table.
What I’m most proud of about the Kalla brand is the identity we’ve built. I wanted Kalla to represent creativity, quality, presentation, and a personal approach to hospitality. I want people to recognize our work not just by the food, but by the overall experience and attention to detail.
Ultimately, I want readers to know that Kalla Catering is about making people feel special through food and hospitality. We don’t believe catering has to be ordinary. We want to make every occasion feel memorable, personal, and worth celebrating.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Something that might surprise people is how much of what I do goes beyond food and catering. I’m naturally curious and entrepreneurial, and I enjoy coming up with business ideas, designing concepts, marketing, creating content, and figuring out how to turn an idea into something real.
People usually see the finished event: the food, the presentation, and the setup. But behind the scenes, I’m involved in almost every detail, from the initial concept and menu design to logistics, marketing, and execution.
Another thing people might not know is that I’m constantly thinking about what’s next. I enjoy experimenting, learning new skills, and exploring opportunities outside my comfort zone. I don’t really see myself as someone who does just one thing. I see myself as a builder who enjoys creating things from scratch.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kallacatering.square.site/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kallacatering/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kallacatering
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@santiaventurasysabores
