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

Zee, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

At Zee Cooked It, I have one simple goal. It is to allow God to use me as a vessel to serve his people. Led by a commitment to serve with excellence, i strive to deliver exceptional culinary experiences that leave both your belly full and your heart smiling. I see myself as more than just a provider of meals; with dedication and delicacy I spend intentional time in crafting memorable dining moments that reflect my passion and Gods love to his people in every moment.
Whether you seek a nutritious and balanced meal plan to support your healthy lifestyle or wish to indulge in an exclusive private dining experience, Zee Cooked It is here to meet your needs with unmatched quality and care. Every dish that is prepared is a testament to my devotion to serving with integrity, love, & joy.
My goal is not just to feed you but to create a lasting impressions through outstanding food and personalized service. That will show you Gods light in every bite and that is more than I could ever ask for!

Zee, 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?

Hi there! My name is Zeneya but in the community I go by Chef Zee. My passion for cooking began at the tender age of 9, standing on a tall chair in my Nanas’ kitchen washing collard greens in preparation for Thanksgiving. Those early moments in the kitchen planted a seed of my love for cooking, though overshadowed by my search for purpose, it never faded. Over time, this passion was nurtured and grew into a calling that now drives my every endeavor.

As a young Black woman in the culinary world, I’ve learned invaluable lessons: the power of my voice, the boundless possibilities with faith and perseverance, and knowing that with God ALL things are possible no matter the adversity. From my humble kitchen to the prestigious spaces I once only dreamed of, my journey has been marked by growth, gratitude, and countless meaningful connections; that I am forever grateful for.

At ZeeCookedit, we offer private dining, meal prep, and catering services, each crafted with love and purpose. What distinguishes us is the divine inspiration behind ZeeCookedit. I am deeply passionate about cooking, but my greatest joy comes from serving others and making a impactful difference in their lives.

Looking ahead, my ultimate goal is to open a small restaurant that not only utilizes my recipes but also serves as a training ground for personal, emotional, & spiritual growth & development. I envision a program dedicated to empowering less fortunate children, particularly those misunderstood, providing them with love, guidance, and a nourishing yet full belly every night. I believe that with compassion and support, every child can thrive and find their path.
Through obedience and faith, I’ve come to realize that my journey is about more than just food—it’s about nurturing hearts, building dreams, and creating lasting impact. Thank you in advance for being part of this mission.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The culinary industry is very competitive and constantly growing space. Everyone wants to be a Chef; but it is easier said than done. In order for your business to grow and become successful you need clientele and in the beginning that is something I really struggled with. Until I realized that in order to grow I can not underestimate my voice, my skills, and the power of networking. There are over 7.951 billion people in this world and if I have the opportunity to speak with just 1% I can make a change. To effectively tap into this vast potential, leveraging my unique voice and skills became essential. Networking has been a pivotal strategy in reaching new clients, allowing me to build valuable relationships and gain referrals. By actively engaging with industry peers and potential clients through events, social media, and local communities, I’ve been able to create opportunities and showcase my culinary expertise.

Furthermore, embracing the power of digital marketing has broadened my reach. Through targeted online advertising and creating a strong online presence, I’ve been able to connect with clients beyond my immediate geographical area. This multifaceted approach—combining personal networking, digital outreach, and leveraging every opportunity to speak about my passion—has proven to be instrumental in growing my client base and establishing a successful business.

In conclusion, recognizing the value of my voice and actively engaging in networking and digital strategies has been key to overcoming initial challenges and achieving growth in the competitive culinary industry.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Not too long ago, I faced a significant challenge that tested my resilience. I had just landed a catering job for an important event—a golden opportunity that could elevate my business. However, a few days before the event,a supplier failed to deliver a few essential ingredients, and I was left scrambling to find replacements. To add onto it, i was dealing with a lot of changes going on in my personal life, compounding the stress.
In that moment, I had to draw on every ounce of my resourcefulness and determination. I quickly reached out to other local vendors and managed to source the necessary ingredients that I needed. I improvised with an alternative recipe and put in extra hours to ensure everything was prepared to the highest standard. Despite the setbacks, I kept my focus on delivering an exceptional experience.

The event was a success, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive; and everyone left with a smile on their face and a full belly. Not only did I gain valuable experience from handling the crisis, but the resilience I demonstrated also earned me new clients and opportunities. This experience taught me that even when faced with unforeseen obstacles, maintaining a positive attitude, adapting quickly, and persevering through challenges are crucial to success. Things always work out in the end!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://msha.ke/zeecookedit
• Instagram: ZeeCookedit and Neyaa.Lexx

Image Credits

All photos taken by me