Today we’d like to introduce you to Kisha Washington

Hi Kisha, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.

I got started in an unconventional space. I started my personal chef business while I was working at a doctors office and became a full-time entrepreneur in 2019. I have a personal chef business called TheKeyIngredient LLC, providing upscale private dining. I also run a nonprofit organization called Cookzcreed Foundation, helping chefs and hospitality individuals get scholarships, mental health and substance abuse resources, and mentorship. The organization was started after a tragic loss of my significant partner at the time who suffered from mental health issues.

As of today, I have had my personal chef business for 10 years and my nonprofit for 4 years. We are also publishing a book in the next month or so.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

The road has not been smooth. Lots of ups and downs, start overs, and recalibrations. Some of the struggles I have faced has been losing someone, so grief, having to be an entrepreneur through Covid and not having clients. Writing a book that I was so unsure about when starting. But I believed the challenges and struggles have made me stronger.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

In my personal chef business I provide upset private dining or multi course dinners in clients homes. I also provide charcoal, lavish desserts, meal planning and chef consulting. I specialize in farm to table cooking as well as fusion cooking.

In the non-profit, we provide chefs and hospitality individuals mental health and substance abuse resources, scholarships and and mentorship for those that may need it. We are publishing a book/guide for chefs to get all the resources they need on there culinary journey.

The moments I’m most proud of have been competing and winning in numerous cooking competitions for my dishes and concepts. Or being able to get to a place where I have finished the book and ready for publishing. I think what sets me apart is the determination I have and drive. The fire I have is what keeps me going.

What were you like growing up?

Growing up I was the outgoing child, had lots of friends, head cheerleader, chamber choir, somewhat the popular one. Yet, I was totally opposite inside. Quiet, shy, a little standoffish. But as I have gotten older, I realized I have all those traits. I like my solace, and quiet moments by myself. Yet, in a crowd or event, I’m able to be that outgoing person.

My interest have always been photography, writing, reading, traveling, trying new things. And it has definitely grown over the years.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.thekeyingredientllc.com, www.cookzcreedfoundation.org
• Instagram: @chefkish_dyan, @cookzcreedfoundation
• Other: TickTok: dyanmaine