We were lucky to catch up with Jakia (Jak) Thompson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jakia (Jak) , appreciate you joining us today. It’s easy to look at a business or industry as an outsider and assume it’s super profitable – but we’ve seen over and over again in our conversation with folks that most industries have factors that make profitability a challenge. What’s biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?

One of the biggest challenges to profitability in the chef industry is managing food costs effectively. This includes sourcing high-quality ingredients at reasonable prices, minimizing waste, and controlling portion sizes to ensure that expenses are kept in check while maintaining the quality of dishes. Additionally, overhead costs such as labor, rent, and utilities can also pose significant challenges to profitability. Competition, changing consumer preferences, and economic factors can further impact profitability in the chef industry.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Jakkenese cuisine offers a multifaceted culinary journey, catering to a diverse range of palates and experiences through an array of dishes. My passion for food started at a young age, nurtured by the invaluable guidance of my Nana, who is now a retired chef. Fond memories and delectable meals were crafted in my first apartment, with my Nana’s cherished recipes serving as the cornerstone of my culinary endeavors. With her support, I gained confidence in my culinary skills, often sharing meals with friends who were drawn in by hearty portions. Over time, my gatherings became anticipated.

Encouraged by my peers regarding my culinary skills, I deliberated on the prospect of offering catering services and meal preparations as a means of livelihood. Initially, I started on this journey cautiously, limiting my engagements to intimate pop-up events due to apprehensions about my own potential. However, the unexpected demand that quickly compelled me to reassess my approach. With a newfound determination, I intentionally reshaped my environment and cultivated a following centered around my passion for culinary arts. This deliberate shift facilitated my professional growth, allowing me to refine my skills in diverse areas such as food presentation, accommodating various lifestyle preferences, and orchestrating larger, more lucrative events.

I believe what distinguishes my culinary approach is my profound reverence for food. My journey with food began not with its visual appeal, but with its ability to evoke emotions and sensations. I am captivated by the artistry and storytelling inherent in each culinary creation, with every bite narrating a unique narrative. From the inception of ingredients nurtured by the earth to the culmination of flavors on our plates, food nourishes not only our bodies but also our hearts and minds. I cherish the entire journey of nourishment, from its inception to its consumption, recognizing the intrinsic value in every stage. It is imperative for me to impart to my followers and clients that every dish I craft is infused with love; nothing is created without my genuine affection. I derive immense joy from nourishing others, and I am deeply passionate about the profound impact food can have on individuals. Thus, I approach each meal with intentionality, aiming to imbue it with positivity and leave an indelible, unforgettable impression on those who partake in it.

Have you ever had to pivot?

In light of the challenges shown by the COVID-19 pandemic, I found myself compelled to shift my career and business endeavors. Like many around the globe, I navigated through periods of uncertainty and adaptability, reimagining how I could sustain my livelihood while demonstrating the value of my services to both existing and prospective clients

I redirected my efforts towards offering merchandise tailored to meet the needs of individuals during lockdown. This included crafting homemade red sauces and organic cooking oils.

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

I believe the development of my reputation grew from my engagement with community and their advocacy for sharing their experiences with those who have yet to encounter Jakkenese Cuisines.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Jakkenese
• Other: [email protected]

Image Credits
Adim Obata Purple Oak Visuals, LLC