Today we’d like to introduce you to Chanell Hale.
Chanell, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I decided to move forward with pursuing my journey to cook for others one day after asking God “what are my God-given gifts that no one can give me + no one can take away?” God spoke to me + said, “you can cook!”
This conversation happened within a few months of graduating from my master’s program, totally unrelated to anything pertaining to food or cooking. I received my bachelor’s in psychology + masters in social work. I was obsessed with learning more about myself on an intimate level and that brought me to my studies. I had been applying for jobs for six months before graduation and hadn’t heard a thing from anyone. I was feeling terrified of the reality of “the real world” and what’s to come once submerged into it. I felt like a failure + I began to feel like living a life of debt was my fate. In this moment, the only source I knew I could pull from was God.
In this moment of staring in the mirror and crying into my own hands, God revealed to me that worldly woes like debt and finding a job was the least of my concerns. I was reassured that what I should focus on is my relationship with getting to know myself and who I am outside of the school system. It was in that moment where I realized that I needed to unlearn and relearn so many things.
I decided to move forward with force and take up space in the world as a chef. I would soon learn how studying psychology, philosophy and mental health would all benefit my growth as a chef.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This journey has not been on a smooth road at all. I’m still getting through difficulties + unexpected experiences in this very moment. I wouldn’t trade any of it though. The obstacles shaped me, taught me, gave me so much wisdom and information. My mistakes have guided me into making better decisions. With every “failure” I learn so much and never really feel like I failed. I always feel like I’m being granted the opportunity to grow + expand my knowledge. I take in consideration that this journey chose me + it’s my job to pursue it with grace and accept the bumps along the way with gratitude for space to improve.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a self-taught, traveling culinary artist amongst many other things. It is my artistry in the food service industry that has given me the confidence to pursue my artistry in all spaces that fuel my growth.
As a traveling personal chef, I’m granted with opportunities to share my food in a wide variety of spaces + special projects. I’ve been able to cook for individuals within their homes as well as for special events like concerts, production catering, or wedding receptions.
I specialize in making food with love that taste so good and is unforgettable. I’m known for making food that touches your soul + invites you to explore the many tastes of Chef Chanell with loved ones.
I’m most proud of being willing to accept this journey the moment God spoke to me. I’m most proud that God is my foundation + that I’m able to use my platform as a chef to be a vessel for my community + others. Starting my catering company has allowed me to believe in myself + God at levels I used to only imagine. I’m beyond grateful.
I’m most proud of making something out of nothing, with no prior knowledge into the catering or entertainment industry. I’m most proud of believing in myself. I’m beyond proud of the fact that my food has made an impact on the world. I’m super proud that I’m just a kid from Englewood Chicago and has cooked my way into homes of some of the most influential people in the world and still make time to ensure that I am feeding at-risk communities from my hometown.
What sets me apart from others is that I know that offering food to others is a spiritual experience. Along with spices + delicious ingredients, I pour my heart + soul into everything I make and people can taste that. I’m willing to be flexible to make connections with food. Money is not as important as life-changing collaborations + I honor that.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
People can work with me by simply reaching out. I love to collaborate with other artists/individuals because it offers a space to bring more creativity and love to the table. Collaborations can offer abundance in creating and I love being in that space. If anyone wishes to support me, I’m available by phone or email at [email protected] or my website www.dreamyventscatering.com
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dreamyventscatering.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/chefchanell
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/dreamyventscatering.com
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/chefchanell
Image Credits
Kenisha Kill Starlotta Milan Leah Carron
