Today we’d like to introduce you to Chef Chandra Meriel.
Chef Chandra, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
To make a very long story short, I have been working in the restaurant business since I was 14 years old. I always worked the front of the house until about five years ago, my church family asked me to help out in the kitchen.
To all of our amazement, it turned out I was a natural. I was making things that I had never made before and the people love it. I guess I didn’t realize how much I was learning over the years and what I picked up from my father, mother, and grandmother who were all excellent cooks.
I had finally found my true gift so I hit the ground running and haven’t looked back since.
You can hear my full story on my podcasts Chef Chandra Meriel Presents Dinner With Friends. Episode 1 – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chef-chandra-meriel-presents-dinner-with-friends/id1455848907?i=1000431534817
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
To be honest, I am still in the first few chapters of this journey and talk about obstacles! You have heard it said before but let me say it again. Nothing in life worth having comes easy period.
Think about anyone who you feel is successful in your eyes. Now, imagine what they did to get there, ok now multiply that times 1000. Then, maybe you will start to scratch the surface of what it takes to get there.
Every morning when I wake up, I ask myself what do I have to do today to take things to the next level and if it’s within my reach, I do just that. I don’t go back and forth, I just do it. Most of my time is spent planting seeds, knocking on doors, screaming from the rooftops that “Chef Chandra Meriel is here everyone, right here!!”. The world doesn’t hear me yet but a few people here and there stop an look, and tomorrow, I will do it all over again.
Just in case you missed it, hard work is my advice to anyone out there who is thinking about or starting their #ladyboss journey.
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of. What sets you apart from the competition?
Wow, what sets me apart that’s an amazing question. I never really thought about it but I would have to say my customer service. I have extensive training in it. I try to find out what my clients need before they even ask. If they wanted me to fly to Italy to get them olive oil, I wouldn’t blink. Provided that they pay for the accommodations. I will go above and beyond and that goes for my team as well. If they don’t have that mindset, then this is not the company for them.
I am a private chef, my cooking background is Italian and Southern American, that’s my fancy world for soul food. I do multiple things well. I never like to put myself in a box when it comes to specialization but I have yet to taste mac and cheese that is better than mine. I’m just saying.
I am most proud that I decided to take a leap of faith and move across the country to follow my dream of starting a personal chef staffing business that specializes in small events and first-class people. Look out for the app.
Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
For me, my mentors happened organically. In your life, you will meet the people that are for you and they start to teach you things without you having to ask. Listen to them closely and never burn that bridge.
Networking has always been a struggle for me. I’m perfectly content with staying in my kitchen making great food and hoping that those neighbors smell it, then knock on the door hoping to hire me. But unfortunately, the world doesn’t work that way. You have to speak up, let people know that you are in the room and a force to be reckoned with.
Which women have inspired you in your life? Why?
Executive Chef Donna Crivello of Cosima who was my mentor and adopted nana. Over her lifetime she ran over 25 coffee/cafe shops in Maryland and was very successful.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.chefchandrameriel.com
- Phone: 443-605-2940
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @chefchandramerielandfriends
- Other: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chef-chandra-meriel-presents-dinner-with-friends/id1455848907?i=1000431534817
Image Credit:
@lauriesmokerphotography
Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
