Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Chef Nyjee . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Chef , thanks for joining us today. Let’s start big picture – what are some of biggest trends you are seeing in your industry?

I believe that the biggest trend that I hope to see become the standard is seeing more Black women entering the culinary industry.

Embracing our culture across the diaspora and translating our heritage, our art, our history onto a dish and presenting it to others who may not have had not had the same experiences as us.

Giving people a little glance into our world through a bite.

Chef , 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?

I’m Chef Nyjee! I’m a personal Chef and Sommelier. I’ve been working in the industry for almost 9 years.

I’ve worked in establishments from hotels, restaurants, wine shops, and resorts. I am classically trained and have been a practicing sommelier for the past 3 years.

I introduce people to unconventional wine and food pairings across Savannah, GA and the lowcountry, with the intention of expanding palates and reinventing classics with every dish.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn that tradition is not the only way. When you’re studying and working in this industry, the classic way of cooking and wine has a different reputation than other forms.

But if I kept regurgitating everything I learned in the most traditional way… it would get kinda boring if I’m honest.

When I was working on my independent study for my sommelier level 2 exam I would erase my [food] pairing ideas because they weren’t the things I saw in my books. I would stay as traditional as possible, and I had my first client (my mom) tell me, “Nyjee, this doesn’t feel like you.” And that’s when I had that big moment that’s what’s missing… I had to put myself in these dishes and in these pairings.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Word of mouth is an incredible factor, that I think people who are starting out with a business don’t tap into enough. Social media is great don’t get me wrong, but word of mouth can significantly help your business. Its awesome when a client comes to you and tells you, “My we’ve heard all about you” it makes them excited.

Working in Savannah, GA a lot of the community here has lived here a long time. They feel they’ve done it all, and seen it all. It’s important to not only provide an experience that keeps them talking about you, but also to keep showing up with new and creative ideas that keep them on their toes.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://chef-nyjee-delores.square.site/
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/chefnyjeedelores
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chefnyjeedelores
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC7kwmKh59bfk2ahoI1k2PJw