As an Orlando native, Kim Pearson’s love for creating colorful, authentic and classic dishes from scratch are done with creativity and heart. After graduating from the University of Central Florida with her associate of arts degree, she transferred to Florida State University for a bachelor of science degree in clothing and textiles, with a minor in business. Still craving more in her career, Pearson pursued a degree in culinary arts at Johnson and Wales University, graduating with honors and igniting her true passion: to create mouthwatering dishes that defy expectations. As a result, Pearson’s Catering was born. In 2008, Pearson catered her first event of 150 people. Today, Pearson’s Catering serves up to 500 guests a day, serving made-from-scratch dishes with fresh ingredients for family gatherings, corporate lunches, cocktail parties, workshops, special presentations and holiday cocktail parties. Growing up, Pearson traveled all over the world to third-world countries on mission trips with her father, and along the way, she gained compassion, open-mindedness and understanding. This not only helped herself grow, but it also helped her learn how to make Pearson’s Catering grow through relationships with her clients and other businesses. In 2018, Pearson took her business to the next level by applying and becoming accepted into the ATHENAPowerLink program, which is designed to help woman-owned businesses succeed through guidance and goal-setting by a panel of volunteers in specific areas of expertise. Through her experience in ATHENAPowerLink, she gained accountability and the feeling that she was capable of doing anything she set her mind to. Pearson also took the steps to become a certified woman-owned business through the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council. Dan Shier, Co-Owner