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

Justin, 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.

The biggest risk I’ve taken is turning my 1 bedroom apartment into a restaurant. I have been contemplating this for years while working corporate jobs as well as private own restaurants but got discouraged. Upon doing my research I found that a chef that I admire by the name of Jacob Bickelhaupt he turned his two bedroom apt in Chicago his restaurant “sous rising “ which gave him leverage and support to open his first restaurant called 42 grams and winning a Michelin star his first year open

Justin, 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?

Justin Jaquar Hollman a native of Baltimore, Md is 35 years old award winning chef with a heart and passion for the entire ambiance for the perfect dining experience. Justin the curator has an extensive culinary background and training but the heartbeat behind what he does is his grandmother The late Hattie E . Holloman and his mother jacqueline holloman for always believing in him no matter what he sought out to do she is his biggest cheerleader and supporter along with his aunt Karen and cousin danielle. But it was something about The way HATTIE charmed her way with the family and the community by her smile mouth watering fried chicken, delectable cakes and pies were breathtakingly buttery and flavorful. At the tender age of 8 Justin was featured at the Baltimore book festival with chefs Emeril Lagasse, John shields , John Randal, Marcel deseanlaurners , which catapulted his curiosity even more so he dived into Julia Childs cook book , Jacques peppin and one of his favorite chefs Martin Yan on MPT. After many culinary positions and opening a Restaurant in 2014 but not dwelling on failure he took the rings and continued on where he started to study more in depth molecular gastronomy and many plating styles to fit his personality but it wasn’t after retiring that his career took off as he took a leap of faith in which he launched his own spice line “Black Stove spices & Hot sauces” The curated taco , PALATÈ dining 2019 Md seafood champion,and now the ultimate dining experience justin calls “THE CURATOR UNDERGROUND” where he will take his diners on a journey through his career, child hood favorites , with new ideas with emphasis on his French style of cooking, molecular gastronomy and more . This will be a intimate 12-15 seated dining experience which will be a ticketed event or invite only dining experience. Justin wants his diners to have a inquisitive palate and a open mind. Coming this September “The curator Underground”

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Step outside the box and allow me to curate a amazing experience for you

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

No matter how tough it gets I just believe God for my life . I have an amazing support system my church family “VMOC” Apostle Jekia ledbetter and her husband Pastor Chris Ledbetter, a host of friends and family and understanding that God gives his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers. I don’t want to sound cliche but trouble don’t last always and I know my breakthrough is coming . Keep pushing and everything I do create content promote promote promote

Contact Info:

• Website: www.justinthecurator.co
• Instagram: _Justin_thecurator
• Facebook: Justin Holloman