We were lucky to catch up with Rashaad Clinkscales recently and have shared our conversation below.
Rashaad, appreciate you joining us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?
My Journey in the Culinary Industry
my journey in the creative field. I am happy to share some personal insights about how I have managed to earn a living through my culinary profession.
At present, I am fortunate enough to earn a decent livelihood through my craft, but the journey here was not clear-cut or simple. This role as an executive chef, I believe, has not yet tapped into the vast potentialities it possesses, particularly considering the avant-garde cuisine I create and the extensive high-profile caterings I manage.
My trajectory to reach where I am now involved a considerable amount of hard work, relentless dedication, countless hours mastering my skills, and guiding a team efficiently. The journey was filled with a spectrum of experiences – both rewarding and challenging. There were indeed numerous instances wherein promises were not fulfilled, which often led to disappointment and demotivation.
There was also a time when I had to rotate between three jobs to make both ends meet. This was an especially trying period for me as I had the responsibility of financially supporting my fiancé and our son who was soon to be born.
I’ve managed to reach several key goals and milestones, but they did not come without sacrifices. There were countless sacrificed weekends, holidays, and personal time, but all these hardships have played a crucial role in shaping me as the professional I am today.
In reflecting upon my journey, while I sometimes wish I knew then what I know now to perhaps speed up the process, I am ultimately at peace with the path I’ve taken. I’ve earned irreplaceable life and career lessons throughout this process and I wouldn’t trade these experiences for anything. Overall, while there could have been room for enhanced progress, I would not alter my journey even if given a chance
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Dear Reader,
I appreciate the opportunity to share my journey with you and your readers. My industry isn’t just my livelihood, it’s my passion and my lifestyle, something that traces its roots back to a tender age. Growing up, my love for culinary craft wasn’t just an inquisitive pastime but rather a profound desire cultivated by invaluable experiences. My major influencer was my grandmother, whose masterful and yet simplistic dishes created an atmosphere of love and sharing in our home. That cozy kitchen became inspirer of my culinary dreams and that’s where my chef journey started.
As a chef, my philosophy orbits around balance – between leadership and camaraderie, perfection and art, discipline and creativity. I believe in leading a team, not to command but to inspire. Micromanagement is not my style. Instead, I appreciate the unique talents of each member and guide them collectively towards our common goal of delivering the finest culinary experience to our clientele.
I am purposeful in my dedication to ensure my team transcends its potential every single day. I view kitchen errors not as failures, but as opportunities for growth and betterment. My aim is not just to be their leader but to be their mentor who imparts valuable knowledge and encourages them to be a better version of themselves each passing day.
In our business, the customer’s satisfaction reigns supreme. I consistently strive to turn each meal into an irreplaceable culinary delight, earning us not just a satisfied customer, but a loyal patron. A proud initiative I’ve introduced is the ‘Chef’s Table,’ an exclusive and novel dining experience. We invite our guests to trust our expertise, providing them with a surprise culinary journey, their only contribution being their specific dietary restrictions and allergies.
What truly sets me apart is my passion for my craft. Each day is a new opportunity to create flavors that invoke joy, nostalgia, surprise, and satisfaction all at once. One might say I don’t just cook; I create gastronomical stories narrated through diverse ingredients and unique flavors. I am exceptionally proud of this ability to create not just palatable dishes but memorable experiences.
Through my journey, I’ve realized that my work is not just about cooking food; it’s about adding value to people’s lives, creating memorable experiences and offering comfort through food. It’s about being true to my roots, respecting my ingredients and constantly innovating. This is the essence of my brand; it represents the homely love of my grandmother’s kitchen elevated by skill learned through years of dedication.
I eagerly look forward to offering your readers an experience of our unique gastronomic journey.
Yours sincerely,
Rashaad Clinkscales
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
I was born and brought up in Philadelphia and attended the city’s public schools. Those formative years have been instrumental in shaping my key life skills, especially resilience. if you could imagine a tall chubby kid with and Afro. This physical aspect made me an easy target for bullying, both by fellow students and, sadly, some of our educators.
You see, I was not an aggressive youngster. So, taking into stride the derisive comments and often hurtful actions became an integral part of my daily life. There was one particular incident that stands out. An educator once blatantly told me that I will either end up a bum or in jail in a few years, or worse, dead on the streets. For a young mind, such accusations could be severely damaging. But in that moment, I found my resolve.
Instead of letting these words define me, they propelled me to change my situation. I decided to take charge of my destiny and no longer permitted people to bully me anymore. With strength, courage, and motivation, I fought hard to rise above the challenges thrown at me. My learnings from these experiences have been monumental in my life. They taught me resilience and instilled a determination to always aim high, irrespective of the hurdles I may face.
This chapter of my life taught me that resilience isn’t about not experiencing difficult times; it’s about how we react and rise from them. This learning has played a significant role in making me who I am today.
Have you ever had to pivot?
Regarding an experience of pivotal change in my life. I’m pleased to share a defining moment in my professional journey with you.
About five years ago, I found myself at a crossroads in my career. I had devoted my life to the culinary arts, but had unfortunately become disillusioned with the industry. I was confronted with a medley of empty promises, lack of support, and individuals who acknowledged my talent but were reluctant to invest in it unless it meant zero risk on their part.
Disappointed and seeking a much-needed change, I decided to step outside the kitchen and ventured into a conventional 9-5 job. Although I was no longer faced with the disappointments from my previous career, this shift, however, presented its own challenges. I was in unfamiliar territory, detached from my creativity – a pillar that had always defined who I was.
In an attempt to reconnect with my passion and establish my own identity outside the confines of a restaurant kitchen, I independently took on catering jobs. Despite being invariably underestimated and undervalued, I powered through as the work was a direct reflection of me and my individual accomplishments rather than being associated with a specific restaurant.
The road was indeed tough, and the struggle to just make ends meet led me back to the workforce, albeit not in my chosen field. I took on various jobs, and my passion for culinary art was temporarily put on hold.
During this challenging phase, my constant rock was my wife. She recognized the diminishing spark in me, the glow that had been my signature, driven by my creativity and love for providing culinary delight to patrons.
Recognizing this, I applied to my current position. And here I am today, seizing this incredible opportunity to share my journey with you. I hope my story inspires you to never shy away from initiating a pivot when confronted with persistent obstacles because it is during these very moments that we truly find ourselves.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Rashaad clinkscales