Kingston chef creates ‘life’s simple joys’

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Opening a business takes bundles of courage, the strength to find humour in tough situations, and the ability to evolve when the time is right. Chef Selena Martin discovered her niche accidentally after trying other educational opportunities. A one-woman dynamo, she is building her business from the bottom and aiming for satisfied customers. Opened in Kingston in 2021, Cravin’, Creatin’, Consumin’ is a celebration of food and community. Martin has found her calling, one delicious bite at a time.

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The culinary field was nowhere on the Kingstonian’s professional radar. Martin first considered a career in theatre, she mentioned in an email interview with this writer. Enrolling in a theatre program, the young woman found that it was not what she had expected. She moved on to other possibilities, and happened into the gastronomic field by chance. “When I applied to other colleges, I had one more slot to fill in my five selections, and almost on a whim, I added culinary school. Once I got there, I never looked back.”

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Rapidly developing a passion for food, Martin was captivated by “the creativity, the community it builds, and the joy it brings people — and over time, that passion grew into a vision for building something of my own,” Martin said.

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Cravin’ is the entrepreneur’s first business, introduced in a soft launch in 2021. Martin focused “on the idea of eating together and creating memories around the table, launching a local gourmet food box,” she described. Easing into the enterprise, “I didn’t go full-time until almost three years later, this upcoming April.”

Food is much more than nutrition and filling the stomach for Martin. “My philosophy is rooted in creating meaningful food experiences — whether it’s a family meal, a special event, or a hands-on class that brings people together surrounding our local food scene here in Kingston.”

Without a dedicated workspace, Martin makes regular use of several rental commercial kitchens, including the facility at Portsmouth Olympic Harbour. (Among others, the City of Kingston has rental commercial kitchens at Rideau Heights Community Centre at 85 Maccauley St., and at Kingston East Community Centre at 779 Highway 15. Commercial kitchens allow the renter to more efficiently adhere to the strict municipal, provincial, and federal regulations regarding food safety.) Although there could be bumps and trials with a rental kitchen, the system works well for the Cravin’ owner.

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“While it can be challenging to move between spaces and work around someone else’s schedule, these kitchens give me flexibility,” mentioned Martin, and has the advantage of “access to professional equipment.” A hurdle has erupted recently, however. “My main space is currently undergoing unexpected renovations, so I’m in the process of looking for a more permanent kitchen home.”

Developing a selection of services, Martin offers catering for private events, such as weddings, corporate functions, birthday parties, and more, plus “kids’ cooking classes, frozen meals, and weekly presence at the Memorial Centre Farmers’ Market.” Exciting plans are in the works for Cravin’ as the chef pivots away from the initial local food boxes, discontinued by the end of September this year. Martin will put her vibrant energy into catering and classes, and is “also expanding our frozen meal offerings, with a larger launch planned for the end of October.”

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Cravin’ food options are a tasty blend of local and seasonal delights.

“Menus are a mix of my own inspirations and customer feedback,” Martin outlined. “I base them on what I personally want to cook and eat during the season, what’s local and thriving here in Kingston, and what I know my community will enjoy.” She added that “seasonal ingredients and personal favourites guide the creativity and variety in every menu.”

Operating a culinary business has its hurdles, with additional challenges for the owner this year.

“Rising food costs and the search for a new kitchen to call home have been major undertakings,” Martin mentioned. “I’ve also recently moved and will be moving again this upcoming winter, so it’s definitely a year of change and new adventures.” She shares the same struggles that vex most small business owners. “Balancing the creative side with the administrative side is always a challenge, though I’m learning to juggle it better each year — ha!”

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Envisioning a social, inviting atmosphere for the future of Cravin’, Martin hopes “to have a dedicated space where people can gather for food and events, a welcoming hub that brings community together around one of life’s simple joys: eating together and creating memories.”

Martin sets aside moments to enjoy family and friends… and her beloved dog. “Food is my work, but it’s also my passion,” she said, “so the lines between business and pleasure often blur in the best way.” Away from the kitchens and administrative duties, Martin enjoys “walking, hiking, swimming, getting lost in thrift stores, sipping iced coffee, and exploring new small cities whenever I can.”

Warming the hearts of diners, Selena Martin’s good healthy food leaves a lasting positive impression. She feels “incredibly grateful for the community support here in Kingston, from the Memorial Centre Farmers’ Market community to families who return for classes and events.” Their thoughtfulness touches the young chef, too. “Moments like kids remembering my birthday, giving me cards, or sharing recipes truly fill my heart and remind me why I do what I do.”

Visit the Cravin, Creatin’, Consumin’ online for more information about the chef and her budding business. View her upcoming engaging events (occasional classes such as The Great Kid Chef’s Bake-off and other inventive experiences look like a lot of fun), and smack your lips at images of her delicious food offerings.

Business owner Selena Martin has found her calling, one delicious bite at a time.

Susanna McLeod is a writer living in Kingston, Ontario. Thank you, Selena Martin, for sharing your many experiences as you grow your culinary business.

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