We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Chelsea Gieselmann a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Chelsea , appreciate you joining 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.
I have been cooking since I was knee high to a grasshopper. For those that don’t understand that phrase, it means that I have been in the kitchen since before I can recollect. Cooking alongside my great-grandmother and grandmother, I learned the ins and outs of whipping up the best southern comfort food fathomable. Most of the memories I have as a young child are solely focused on specific core memories such as rolling and cutting out biscuits with a mason jar or learning the exact science to making the perfect dumplings for a big ole’ pot of chicken and dumplings. As I became an adult, my culinary skills flourished thanks to my first born daughter. To this day, she has a palate that surpasses her years. She was prone to challenging me in the kitchen, from making authentic pho to elevating ‘basic’ southern dishes to delight her taste buds. I knew for years that I wanted to do something with my culinary knowledge, however, being a present mother to my daughters came first. What seems like an eternity ago, I began my Southrngritskitchen instagram account. I did it to appease the appetite I had to do more. I watched my cooking evolve throughout the years and felt blessed to have witnessed it for myself even though I didn’t see it truly going anywhere. You see, growing up in a super small town, and in a household that wasn’t the best at boosting your confidence, really took a toll on my mentality and drive to become better and advance. After all, you witness folks from big cities all over the country doing exceptional things but us small town zipcodeless folks barely make it out into the big ole world.
Three years ago, I was contacted by this vibrant character. He exuded confidence and positivity. And he just so happened to be a Masterchef casting agent. After receiving all of the details including possibly being across the country away from my daughters for 3 months, I sat down with my girls and discussed the possibility of me potentially spreading my wings and reaching for a step in the direction of my own dreams. Supportive is an understatement. There were tears. There were worries. But when I boarded my first ever plane ride to a location I had only dreamt of visiting, I confidently knew that I was making the right decision for not only myself but for my daughters as well. My Masterchef journey was short lived. However, the experience opened my eyes to a world where my growth and determination will pay off. The following year was a whirlwind. I dropped my facebook page, began working with local restaurants, flourished in my own kitchen, and made a name for myself. I became the person I felt my girls would be proud of. For 8 months I was engulfed in a universe of local culinary culture, unknowingly building a community of like-minded restaurant owners, foodies, and chefs. We support each other and collaborate and have completely changed the culinary world in this little slice of our country. It’s such a beautiful thing witnessing a community grow. Five years ago, I would have been laughed at for even sharing the idea of a community such as this.
At my 8-month mark of having my Facebook blog, I was contacted by a casting producer from Food Network. I honestly, had told myself that tv wasn’t for me given the ridiculous experience I had with a certain Chef’s assistant on set at Masterchef. However, this producer was persuasive, and it seemed almost effortless for him to convince me to audition. In March of 2024, I stepped on the Outchef’d set. Of course, I had no clue that it was indeed the Outchef’d set until Chef Eddie walked out and dropped the news that I would be competing against Iron Chef Alex Guarnaschelli. Scared was an understatement but I felt everything I have worked for, the support system I had built, prepared me for this moment in time. I nailed it. I defeated one of the most intimidating women in the culinary world, 3-1.
How did my journey turn out for me? Perfectly splendid and I’m still reaching. I have miraculously built a culinary community of amazingly talented, humble, and supportive folks. I am now writing for 5 different magazines. I am currently preparing for the opportunity of a lifetime, competing in the World Food Championship finals. Lastly and most importantly, I have shown not only my daughters but also others that reaching for your goals may be a rocky road but it’s well worth trekking it to the finish-line.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Chelsea Gieselmann, however, here in Southeast Alabama, most call me by my blog name, Southrngritskitchen. Who is Southrngritskitchen? She’s a mom, food blogger, homechef, risk taker, and a huge advocate of supporting local/small businesses. My goal is to not only open the eyes of the community to the amazing culinary world we have right in our front yard but also encourage people to get in their kitchen and create dishes of their own as well. I’ve created this utopia of sorts to connect our local/small businesses with the community. When someone follows Southrngritskitchen, I want them to embrace the authentic, down-to-earth vibe of my brand. I also want my followers to feel comfortable asking questions and reaching out to me anytime they need.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, the most fulfilling part of being a creative is the community I’ve built. Watching my fellow small business owner friends collaborate, thrive, and support one another is truly inspiring. Competing on Food Network is great, but it doesn’t compare to the joy I feel when I see a restaurant showcase a stunning dish made with local ingredients, or the pride I have when I create a dish using only local and small business ingredients for my followers to eat with their eyes and influence them to go out and grab those ingredients for themselves.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
One key lesson I had to unlearn—among many—is related to the brand I’ve built. Growing up, I was taught that being cutthroat was the only path to success. I always questioned that mindset, but felt I couldn’t voice my thoughts. For example, over five years ago, it was rare to see a restaurant owner dining at similar establishments as the one they own. Fast forward to today, and I’ve shared meals with two chefs at a similar restaurant to each of their own—not to critique, but to support. In today’s world, lifting up and respecting others in the same craft as your own is truly the best way to achieve success.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southrngritskitchen
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/southrngritskitchen
