We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Daniella Davis a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Daniella, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So, let’s start with a hypothetical – what would you change about the educational system?

I currently teach after-school cooking classes at local charter schools and schools within the Los Angeles Unified School District. Whenever I talk to my students and ask them what they learned and what was important for that day, there’s never a real educational answer. I also see how much programs like mine, such as cooking and other extracurricular activities offered by the company I work for, bring true joy to the students. I believe that what would prepare students better is allowing them to engage in activities that bring them joy, whether it’s through extra programs or things outside of traditional learning. I feel that my chef journey really started in my home economics class. Classes and activities like this truly bring out a child’s potential. There is too much focus on test-taking these days and not enough on the child itself. As we grow and learn, we recognize that everyone is different, so having a set standard of learning for everyone is limiting.

Daniella, 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 come from a family of cooks and people who know how to throw down in the kitchen, and I’ve been truly blessed to grow up with such an expansive palate at a young age. What got me started was a passion for cooking. I turned a hobby into a career, and for me, that’s been the most fulfilling part of my life journey. I’m a sickle cell warrior, and being an entrepreneur is always tough when you never know when a crisis will arise. However, I’ve always maintained the highest standards of professionalism when it comes to my brand. I cater and have a line of seasonings and sauces dedicated to my grandparents. Each of them has inspired a sauce or a name for my brand, and it’s special to me because I can bring a piece of my family’s journey and my journey into everyone’s kitchen. I also took a keen interest in cannabis cuisine and the health benefits that cannabis has shown over the years. The benefits I’ve experienced in my life while dealing with sickle cell have been significant.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Well, I was born with sickle cell anemia and diagnosed at birth. Every day illustrates my resilience. The way that I continue to live as if I don’t have a debilitating disease that can attack at any moment is part of my story. I feel that whenever I decide to do anything that doesn’t require assistance, it’s a continued show of strength. I moved here five years ago with nothing but a dream and a goal in mind. I had no family or friends at my final destination, and I had no experience with the healthcare system here. However, I knew what I wanted, and I knew I wanted to live here.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I’m currently pivoting because, as prices have been increasing and things have become more expensive, I had to find ways to return to a more traditional role, whether it be in a kitchen or office work. I’m currently undergoing a clinical trial for the treatment of my sickle cell disease, and honestly, having to be in the hospital monthly and ensuring that I’m up-to-date with all my appointments has really affected my current workload. This has been particularly hard for me because I have had my business for so long and have always been successful in it. However, with this shift, it’s been harder for a luxury service like mine to find consistent work. The additional burden of health issues adds to the challenge, even though I know the benefit will ultimately outweigh the struggle. It’s still difficult trying to navigate my position in the world in its current state.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Chefdaniella.com
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/chefdaniella
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dineinwithdaniella?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Yelp: https://yelp.to/sne7iKoSNV