Meet Britt
We would like you to meet the amazing Brittany Bendall, the co-owner of B Squared Catering. We asked this talented young businesswoman to tell us how she stays balanced with her busy lifestyle, and get the inside scoop on her wellness routine.
Tell us a little about yourself?
From a very young age, I loved being in the kitchen. My mom would place a chair beside her so that I could stand and see what she was doing while she explained the processes. My mother has never been the ‘simple food’ kind of cook. There is always an exciting twist on the meal or it is presented in the most extravagant way possible. This inspired me to always put a little more effort into everything I do to make it unique.
What has been the biggest hurdle of owning a business and what inspires you to keep moving forward?
Roughly three years ago, my mother was making home-cooked meals for families all around Cape Town, tending to different dietary requirements, preferences, etc. I started helping her with preparing and delivering the meals as she got very busy and needed a hand. At the time, I was working as an au pair for a family and was asked by the mother, if my mom and I would cater for a family member’s birthday party for 80 people. It seemed crazy at the time and completely unrealistic, but my mom and I leaped at the opportunity and so, B Squared Catering was created.
Who is your biggest inspiration in the industry?
B Squared Catering has been the most magical adventure with my mom. Never in a million years did I think I’d have a catering company with her, let alone a successful one. Working with my mom has taught me more than any culinary school could. I have learnt to think quickly on my feet and make big decisions on the spot. Remaining calm is not always easy when your plan doesn’t work out the way you predicted it to, but I always try to see the end result and the smiles on peoples’ faces when they eat our food. That is what makes it all worth it for me.
Tell us what a day in your life looks like, the first thing you do in the morning and last thing you do at night.
An average day in my life normally starts off with waking up early, making myself a smoothie before going to the gym or taking the dogs down to the beach for a walk/run. Followed by getting ready for my day according to my plans. If we have a function coming up, my mom and I will have a meeting every morning and discuss, plan and create mood boards. If we don’t have a function coming up, then I would run errands and catch up with friends. Most days I will make myself a late breakfast. This consists of egg, roasted cherry tomatoes, spinach, a protein and hot sauce. I’m crazy about hot sauce. That meal normally keeps my full until dinnertime. Every night, my family eat dinner together, catch up on our day and watch our favourite TV series. After that, I’d typically jump into bed and go to sleep. I’m not one to stay up late. I love sleeping.
How do you find balance between running a business and staying healthy?
Physical activity is a very important part of my day; it sets my mind into a positive and energetic state. Eating a healthy balanced diet is also very important to me as it assists my physical activity and energy levels. Since matriculating from school, I have made a conscious effort every day to live a healthier lifestyle. I have seen huge changes in my mind and body ever since making this decision to be the best version of myself.
How do you feed yourself? What is your philosophy when it comes to food?
When it comes to food, I always try to make myself a healthy, delicious version of an ‘unhealthy’ meal. I thoroughly enjoy working with healthier alternatives as I see it as a challenge for myself. Making the meal look appealing and bright is also key. I don’t enjoy eating ‘on-the-go’ as I prefer to eat at a table with a knife and fork, to truly appreciate and enjoy my meal. I try to eat as raw and natural as possible. The more processed the food, the worse it is for you, i.e. preservatives, chemicals, gluten, sugars, etc.
Favourite foods?
My favourite food is pasta; it is my ultimate weakness and cheat meal. And let’s not forget butternut Ravioli with a burnt butter and sage sauce.
What are your ‘go-to’ snacks?
I don’t usually have snacks throughout the day but if I am feeling peckish, my favourite snack is a banana with a handful of almonds.
Something you can’t live without?
My Nutribullet is my best friend in the kitchen. I use it for almost everything and anything. It is super easy to use, and portable!
What is your favourite home cooked dish? Who inspired your cooking?
My favourite home-cooked dish growing up was my mom’s Chicken a la King. My mom and my nana have always been my inspiration when it comes to cooking. They have taught me to cook from my heart and make every meal full of flavour.
Can you share your favourite recipe with us?
My family love to make fresh pasta so I will sneak our homemade Gnocchi recipe in.
What is next for B Squared Catering?
I am traveling abroad for a few months, which I am really excited about. Seeing new foods and tasting new cuisines will spark inspiration and new ideas for upcoming catering events. B Squared Catering will be doing bigger and better things in the months to come. So, stay tuned on our social media (@bsquaredcatering).
Things that people don’t know about you
I was born in Durban and lived there until I was 3 years old. We then moved to Cape Town and I have lived here since. I am lucky enough to have grown up with wildlife around me, as my family have shares in a private game reserve in Kwazulu Natal.
