Today we’d like to introduce you to Chef Ameera.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Chef Ameera. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I got started in 2006 after being fired from my job at Paramount Pictures. I went to film school and although I really liked tv and film production, I’ve always had a love and passion for the culinary arts. Even my final project in film school was a lifestyle cooking show.
I had a near death experience with my children returning from the Bahamas during hurricane Katrina. It left me uninterested in my job and searching for something that truly brought me joy. When I was fired, I immediately decided to start my catering and private chef services and utilize my contacts to get the word out and acquire clients.
One of my first clients was Judge Mathis for Thanksgiving and if anything could go wrong, it did! But the one thing that was consistent and always has been is how flavorful my food it and it was what had them bring me back the next year. Soon after, I landed Lil Wayne as a client and the clients continued from Vanessa & Angela Simmons, Keri Hilson, Rihanna, Rasual Butler, Martin Lawrence, Blake Griffin, Kelly Rowland, Demi Lovato, Common, Diddy and many more. I’ve also collaborated with some Amazing corporate brands to create signature events and custom menus to create a Unique and memorable experience for any guest. These clients include Ciroc, Don Julio, BET Networks, NBC, Rook and Board, Williams Sonoma, West Elm, and Cauli’Flour foods just to name a few.
In 2012, I started focused on a much more holistic lifestyle and I infused that style in my food. I became plant-based and immersed myself in healing modalities such as crystal healing, essential oils, flower essences and became a certified reiki master to enhance and develop my natural healing abilities. Although I am a chef, I am a natural born healer and food is one way I heal and express my Love… I utilized these healing methods to infuse more healing energy in love in my food so my clients, as well as myself, would Truly be eating food for the soul.
As of today, my client base is wide ranging from soul food lovers to plant-based foodies and my love-filled food with the purest of intentions is an extension of the love and passion that is filled within my heart. That’s why my clients love me and my food and that is what has brought me longevity in an industry where career burnout is just a client away.
Has it been a smooth road?
The road was full of challenges that turned into some of the greatest and toughest teachers. When starting out, I didn’t know anything about marketing or building a business. I just knew I was passionate about food, people loved my food and I got a vision on how to package myself the best way I knew how. What I lacked consistency but perseverance would become my best friend. I didn’t know pricing and suffered from not Knowing my value. These elements are essential to building a brand and business with longevity but Mama I made it!
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I’m Chef Ameera and I’m a Culinary Alchemist. I transform edible gifts from nature and turn them into divine experiences to heal the body and soul via my Alchemy Kitchen. All food has consciousness and depending upon where you want your life force to vibrate should determine what food you eat. Combine this philosophy with an intense amount of flavor and you’ll experience food heaven in a platter. I’ve been established in the entertainment industry for over ten years and give thanks everyday for the entirety of my journey in life and I the culinary industry. The newest addition to my services are international and local retreats in which I co-host with my sister friends and some I host by myself. Our next trip is to Egypt in October.
Winning on Food Network’s Cutthroat Kitchen and my ability to just keep going no matter what setbacks I have had. I’ve always continued to move forward and actualize my visions. This makes me proud because I know the feeling of wanting to give up but the way my spiritual foundation is set up, quitting is never an option.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I see the industry continuing the shift towards recognizing the value of a plant-based diet and making it more options available. The cbd and cannabis scene will also experience an increase in becoming widely available outside of the private supper club and pop-up scene. People are returning more and more back to wanting quality artisan products handcrafted with love.
Pricing:
- Cooking Classes start at $85
- Meraki Spices start at $18
- Private Consultations start at $250
Contact Info:
- Address: 13545 Ventura Blvd
Sherman Oaks Ca 91423 - Website: www.chefameera.com
- Phone: 8189841245
- Email: info@chefameera.com
- Instagram: Www.instagram.com/ChefAmeera
- Facebook: Www.facebook.com/ameeramuhammad
- Twitter: Www.twitter.com/ChefAmeera
Image Credit:
@fedekortez, @creativemagic_la, @sarahsingerphotography
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