We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nicki Gilbert. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nicki below.

Alright, Nicki thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

After becoming a private chef on yachts over 5 years ago now I have recently decided to make a transition to being land based and a Chef in homes here in Charleston, SC. It was a risk to me because I was comfortable in yachting, I had built up steady clients and I made good money.
A transition can always be scary. You never know how it’s going to go, the competition you are going to have, will you be able to provide for yourself etc.
4 months ago I suddenly hoped off my boat and decided to not go back.
I just felt over the yachting scene for many reasons. I was about to get married and was tired of being gone more than I was home for one example.
Fast forward to now, I am happily married and doing great in Charleston.
I have done a ton of promoting for myself since August. I created a business Facebook page with has really helped, I do about 3 local markets a month selling baked goods and passing out my card. My Holiday schedule has been booked up more than I could have ever expected. This was a risk I was willing to take and I am so glad I did. I am so happy right now and I love cooking for families in their homes now. Hoping things stay steady and continue to grow for me here in Sweet Charleston.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist for me is creating something from scratch and watching it turn into something beautiful that makes people so happy inside when they taste it. Food has such gorgeous natural colors to it and you always want to use that to your advantage. Keeping a dish bright and colorful is key. There is nothing more satisfying than a finished plate with all the best colors popping.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My goal one day is to own a Cafe. My dad has always called me “Nico” so that’s what I would name it. I would love to have a Cafe with great coffee, breakfast and lunch service and baked goods, with occasional themed dinner parties. This way I could have a mix of it all. Having a store front with regulars coming in daily and tourists to the sweet Charleston area is my dream.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Eats.With.Nicki
• Facebook: Eats.With.Nicki