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

Justin, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

While embarking on this journey, I have learned so much. It started in my home. Watching my grandmothers and mom cook these elaborate dishes that would bring smiles to so many people’s faces was it for me. They took the time to teach me not just the art of it but how to cook from the heart. Knowing what I know now, there is no other process I could’ve taken to speed it up because every obstacle was a lesson, and each lesson was a way to increase my skill. I never would want to take away from that because it taught me more patience. The most essential skills are knife skills, for starters, followed by learning how to read and comprehend a recipe—also knowing your tools and terminology. Many obstacles stood in my way of learning. I did not go to culinary school, so everything I had learned was on the job or self-taught from other chefs. The ego is also a prominent force in the kitchen, so maneuvering around others’ egos can be challenging when you want knowledge.

Justin, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m fun and enjoy the culinary arts, not in the sense of robotics but a sense of fun. Cooking is more than just substance. It’s a language and a story; it tells the past and the present but can also alter the future. It’s something that brings people together, and I’m all about unity and bringing people together in a space to live, laugh, and learn. I got into the industry through a close friend of mine. Funny enough, his name was Justin as well, and also my kitchen mom/sister Joanna. Working in downtown Los Angeles at Eggsslut pushed me a lot. Before that, I was working at Wingstop, so I was always able to be in the hospitality industry at an early age and know how to deal with customers in any situation. The Discipline came from wanting to do more and learn more. I often watched Emeril Lagasse, so I wanted to be like him. What sets me apart the most is that there is space to get to know people when you cook for them. In the kitchen, you don’t have to be serious and angry. There is space for your personality to shine. The main thing that I want followers to know about me is that cooking will always be fun, but it’s also a form of expression. Perfection will keep you stunted and fearful, so always go for it. I’m proud of my brand, Cooking with Hart. It started during the pandemic as a YouTube channel with one of my best friends, Asher. He had asked me what I was doing one day. I told him he was cooking, and he had asked if he could come over and record while I was cooking. From there, he said you should do a YouTube channel; we have been going ever since. What started as a simple cooking channel is growing into a brand to produce kitchen apparel, appliances, etc.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Many people need to understand that any creative is taking a risk 24/7. I say this because we put our creation into the world, hoping people enjoy it. Once people start to slander and rip apart what a person is doing, it invalidates another person’s creativity. Now, granted, there are limits, but if you don’t like something or it’s not for you, that’s ok. But in this day and age, everyone is a critic or a professional chef or artist. They can just come in and hurt others with their opinions.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I built my social media presence with a lot of engagement and watching other’s content. Networking is one of the most important things that you can do. Putting yourself out there is always a risk, but its benefits are worth it. Also, look into advertising and ways to collaborate with other creatives to get yourself known.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.chefjhart.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefjhart/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEobSqTTJZVGvpfNi1MSETw

Image Credits
Imaginelotus