Lifestyle

Cooking with Love, Leading with Purpose: How Cheron Reed Is Serving Up More Than Just Meals

BLK News Contributor

June 17, 2025

By: Cal Parish

Cheron Reed operates in a fast-paced food service industry, where competition is steady and expectations are consistently high. Cheron has built a reputation for not just what she prepares—but for how she approaches her work. As the Owner and General Manager of Rx Catering in the Washington, DC Metro area, Cheron has spent nearly two decades developing a business that aims to nourish both body and spirit. Her journey isn’t solely about entrepreneurship; it reflects growth, intention, and a commitment to meaningful service.

Rx Catering: A Business Built on Purpose

Cheron didn’t begin her professional life in the catering world. She started in pharmaceutical sales, where she honed skills in organization, relationship management, and event planning. Eventually, her passion for cooking aligned with her professional expertise, and Rx Catering was founded. Nearly 20 years later, the company has become a trusted partner for a wide range of events, including corporate functions, private celebrations, and government gatherings throughout the DC region. Clients often cite not just the quality of the food, but the sense of care and detail behind every meal.

Cooking with Cheron: A Platform for Wellness and Inspiration

When the pandemic disrupted businesses everywhere, Cheron, like many entrepreneurs, had to adapt quickly. Not only did she retain her staff, she initiated a local campaign that ultimately provided over 8,500 meals to frontline workers. That effort inspired her next step: a YouTube channel that would blend her culinary talents with a focus on wellness and resilience. And so, “Cooking with Cheron” came to life.

This Youtube video series offers more than standard recipes. It serves as a space for heart-healthy dishes, plant-based options, and open dialogue around personal well-being. After facing a series of health challenges and undergoing multiple surgeries, Cheron chose to reprioritize her wellness—removing alcohol, cutting back on sugary drinks, and committing to a consistent fitness routine. Today, she is 30 pounds lighter, experiencing greater energy, and eager to support others on their own health journeys.

Health is Wealth: A Personal Transformation

Cooking with Love, Leading with Purpose: How Cheron Reed Is Serving Up More Than Just Meals

Photo Courtesy: Cheron Reed

What sets Cheron apart is her willingness to be transparent. She doesn’t just talk about wellness—she actively shares her process, including its ups and downs. For over 40 consecutive Mondays, she’s run stairs as both a physical and mental discipline. She plans her meals with intention, trains alongside accountability partners, and is currently preparing for her first sprint triathlon scheduled for June 2025. This commitment reflects not just personal discipline, but a leadership style grounded in modeling rather than instructing.

Recognition and Community Impact

Cheron’s work has drawn attention from several organizations. She received the 2023 President’s Privilege Award and the Outstanding Community Service Award from the Bernie L. Bates Foundation. She was also honored by Shiloh Church of God in Christ for her leadership and service. Her initiatives have been featured on NBC’s Soulful Sunday, and in publications including Simply Magazine, CEO Weekly, and the Women’s Journal. These recognitions speak to the value others have seen in her community involvement and entrepreneurial approach.

Looking Ahead: Food, Fitness, and Founders

Cheron has a forward-looking vision for both Rx Catering and her wellness platform. She aims to expand them into nationally visible brands that bring together nutrition, lifestyle, and entrepreneurship. A key part of that vision involves mentoring emerging entrepreneurs—particularly women—who want to enter the food industry. Rather than just preparing meals, she hopes to cultivate change through food, coaching, and storytelling.

A Word to Aspiring Entrepreneurs

“You can build a meaningful business doing what you love—especially when your work is guided by values and perseverance,” Cheron shares. Her own path reflects this message. From catering events across the region to encouraging personal wellness through YouTube, she continues to shape her legacy with intention and care.

Her story isn’t just about food; it’s about service, self-discovery, and helping others rise.

Connect with Cheron Reed:

Whether you’re in search of a nourishing recipe or a fresh perspective on wellness, Cheron Reed’s journey offers a flavorful reminder that purpose can be served in many ways.