We recently connected with Arthur Bolden III and have shared our conversation below.
Arthur , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
In 2021, I took one of the biggest risks of my life. I made the decision to sell my home in Texas and move to Los Angeles to pursue an artist lifestyle full-time. It wasn’t a move I made lightly—on paper, I had stability: a well-paying 9–5 job with benefits and the comfort of working from home. But deep down, I knew I was stuck. I had grown comfortable, but not fulfilled. I needed more.
Around 2019, I had started exploring two creative passions—acting and cooking. Both were self-taught journeys, and both awakened something in me that my day job never could. I began to feel a strong pull toward the unknown. I believed that if I didn’t take the leap, I’d always wonder “what if?”
So, I packed up my life, sold my house, and moved to L.A.—not to become the next movie star or celebrity chef, but to make space for my gifts in a city I hadn’t yet poured them into. I knew it would be a challenge—L.A. has a way of either stretching or shaking you—but I believed that with faith, hard work, and the support of my community, I would find my place.
Now, as I approach four years in Los Angeles this November, I can look back and say with full confidence: that risk was worth it. It’s grown me, challenged me, and stretched my faith in ways I never imagined. I’m still standing, still creating, and still believing. And most importantly, I have no regrets.
Arthur , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My journey as a chef began in an unexpected way—through a documentary called Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat. The chef broke down how every great dish is built around those four essential elements. That clicked with me. I wasn’t someone who grew up in the kitchen—I didn’t even know how to cut an onion! But I took those principles to heart, started experimenting with recipes, and quickly fell in love with the process.
That led me to launch a YouTube channel to help others like me—everyday people trying to learn how to cook. From there, word started to spread. My phone began ringing with requests for private dinners. A good rule is: if it’s good, people will talk. What makes my service unique is that I show up to your home and cook everything fresh, on-site. It’s more than just a meal—it’s an experience. I get to take people on a culinary journey in their own kitchen.
As I transitioned to L.A., this gift opened doors I never imagined. I’ve had the chance to showcase my cooking on platforms like The Jay Leno Show (You Bet Your Life), BuzzFeed, Cocoa Butter, and Tastemade, just to name a few. Being hired as a private chef means I get to plan, prep, and present something special for your event. What sets me apart isn’t just flavor or love—it’s the deep joy I get from putting a smile on someone’s face. A great meal brings people together, and I’m honored to be part of that moment.
On the flip side, my acting journey has been all about learning by doing. I’m very hands-on, so while I’ve read great books and taken classes, I grow most by being in it—auditioning, working on set, asking questions, and putting in the work. L.A. can be a tough city to break into, especially for actors, but I came here to learn the craft, not chase overnight success. I’ve learned to treat each audition as an opportunity to act and grow, rather than stress about the outcome.
One of the things I’m most proud of is my short film, Bottle, which I wrote, produced, and starred in. So far, it’s been accepted into three film festivals and counting. I never would’ve imagined that just a few years after moving here, I’d be screening my own film. It’s proof to me that when you’re obedient to God’s direction, He’ll open doors you didn’t even know were there.
Whether it’s through food or storytelling, my purpose is the same: to connect with people, bring joy, and make a lasting impact.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
One of the most rewarding parts of being a creative is having control over the process. My mind is constantly generating new thoughts and ideas, and the ability to take those and channel them into my dual crafts—whether it’s cooking or acting—makes the work feel natural and fulfilling. It’s exciting because I’m not fixated on the outcome; I’m able to truly enjoy the moment and the process itself.
There’s also a deep sense of freedom in not being tied to a traditional structure or boss. You grow not just in your craft, but as a person. Your art becomes your voice—it speaks for you, tells your story, and reflects your growth. That kind of freedom and expression is something I never take for granted.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
The best way society can support artists and creatives is by taking the time to understand things from our point of view. Being a creative is a job—just like any other profession—but it often follows a less traditional path. The work ethic it takes to succeed in a creative field is just as strong, if not stronger, because much of what we do is self-driven, unpredictable, and deeply personal.
There’s a common misconception that artists are just sitting around waiting for a big break. But the truth is, most of us are constantly building, creating, and finding new ways to share our craft with the world. We’re curating experiences that inspire, challenge, and connect people.
What we need most is understanding and respect—for the process, the effort, and the purpose behind what we do. Simply being open-minded and kind to the next creative you meet can go a long way. At the end of the day, we’re all trying to make the world a better, more beautiful place using the gifts we’ve been given.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: bolden_arthur / arthurskitchen_
