We recently connected with Jeffrey Dale and have shared our conversation below.

Jeffrey, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

One of the saddest things is not every person in their lifetime will be able to enjoy a quality meal prepared by a Chef. Within each community across the United States there are economic disparities, which leads to food deserts. The reason I converted to being a Personal Chef is because I enjoy teaching people about food, where it comes from, how it was produced, the health benefits, and ultimately why specific foods are important to different ethnicities. Not everyone is familiar with knowing why to consume specific foods for life, health and happiness. You are what you eat! A lot of people are suffering because of a lack of options in poverty-stricken communities. I am on a mission to share with the world the importance of eating the right foods to ultimately enhance health, leading to a healthier lifestyle.

Jeffrey, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My love and passion for cooking and food started at a very young age. During my teenage years I actually stopped eating meat however I didn’t have the knowledge I needed to be healthy in that lifestyle change. In my mid-20’s I started exploring different techniques in preparing foods the proper way, which reignited my love for creating lasting dishes. At the time I wasn’t happy with my previous job, and I needed more fulfillment in life. In April 2014 I started my journey in the culinary industry by attending culinary school, L’Ecole Culinaire, locally in Kansas City, MO. From the very first day of class I knew this was where I was supposed to be. As an honor student, I truly enjoyed every day I was able to learn about the origins of where culinary arts began up to its current standing. In 2016 I graduated with my AOS degree in Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management. From there, my career began, and I am currently continuing the journey of writing my story. After cutting my teeth in the industry working fine dining to high volume, a company named Cozymeal reached out to start a partnership with me as a Personal Chef. Two years later after teaching international cooking classes and private dining experiences, I officially started my private dining experience business, The Total Chef Experience. I offer several different services from: meal prep, exclusive catered events, and private dining experiences. During the pandemic the business flourished from the need of healthier food options for busy families and for convenience. The thing I am most proud of at this point is becoming a successful business owner, not putting any limitations on myself as I work to break the barriers often put on People of Color in business ownership. Also being asked to participate in Black Restaurant Week was a proud moment for me. My standpoint on culinary arts is to provide the highest standard of product and service as I proceed to teach the importance and respect for food.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Starting in 2019, I suffered a severe foot injury, and I am still recovering from that injury as of 2022. Mentally, you have to build certain walls to protect yourself and to understand no matter what you’re going through in life, even if you have to pivot for a small amount of time, NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR JOURNEY! I have continued to push forward not letting life-changing moments define me in my career.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Yes. The Flavor Bible by Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg, Streetwise: Incorporating Your Business by Michelle Cagan, C.P.A and ‘Leadership Lessons From A Chef’: Finding Time to be Great by Charles M. Carroll.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cozymeal.com/chefs/1169/chef-jeffrey
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefjay_deekc
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/chefjaydeekc/

Image Credits
NV Sicc for the feature photo