An Inspired Chat with Andra Chisholm of Downtown Los Angeles

We recently had the chance to connect with Andra Chisholm and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Andra, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
Although people see Bougie Eats Academy as a successful online pastry school, what they don’t see are the systems I’ve built behind the scenes to make it thrive. I had no background in entrepreneurship, so I had to learn everything from the ground up — through trial, error, and persistence. From scheduling content and developing automated systems that drive higher conversions to analyzing customer trends and engagement, I’ve built an entire business infrastructure from scratch. I’m proud of that invisible work because it’s the foundation that turned my passion for pastry into a sustainable, growing brand. It’s much deeper than just posting desserts — it’s building something that truly runs with purpose and strategy.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Andra Chisholm, and I’m the founder of Bougie Eats Academy, an online pastry school that blends culinary education with creativity, culture, and accessibility. As a classically trained savory chef turned pastry chef and educator, I’ve spent years teaching others not only how to bake—but how to understand the science and artistry behind it. My goal has always been to make luxury pastry approachable, while celebrating the flavors, traditions, and storytelling that shape who we are in the kitchen.

What sets my brand apart is that it isn’t just about beautiful desserts—it’s about empowerment through culinary education. Bougie Eats Academy has become a global community for bakers and chefs who want to refine their craft at their own pace, without losing authenticity or joy in the process.

Currently, I’m working on finishing my first cookbook, a luxury coffee table–style dessert collection that fuses Southern roots with modern pastry techniques, and I’m also developing new online courses to expand the Bougie Eats Academy learning experience even further.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
My mother, Toni Lynn, taught me the most about work. I grew up watching her press her way to work no matter what the circumstances were. Even on the toughest days, she showed up — and sometimes that meant bringing me with her. Those moments became my earliest introduction to the restaurant industry. I’d sit in the corner filling sugar caddies while she worked as a chef, completely unaware that I was absorbing lessons that would shape my entire career. Her work ethic was unmatched, but what stood out most was her positivity. Even in our most challenging moments, she found a way to stay optimistic. That combination of perseverance and grace is something I’ve carried with me in every kitchen, classroom, and business I’ve built.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me how strong I truly am and what I can persevere through. It completely changed my perspective on success. Every challenge reminded me that I’ve always made it through — and that endurance built a faith, humility, and strength that success alone could never teach me.

One scripture that grounds me is Romans 8:28 — “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” I’ve seen how the hardest seasons of my life were actually preparation for greater ones. I often think of the story of Joseph — how the pit prepared him for the palace. That reminder keeps me grounded in knowing that nothing I’ve gone through was wasted.

My struggles became my preparation. They refined me, strengthened my character, and equipped me to handle the very success I prayed for. Without those seasons of difficulty, I wouldn’t have developed the resilience, discipline, and faith that sustain me now.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
In a world where people are constantly recreating themselves on social media and chasing validation through false narratives, I’m proud to say that I am exactly who I say I am. What you see publicly is the same person I am privately — grounded, intentional, and real.

Social media isn’t real life; it’s a highlight reel. I believe true character shows up in how you treat people when no one’s watching, how you follow through on your word, and how you show up for others. My focus has always been on being a good person in real life, making an impact in real life, and doing what I say I’m going to do. Authenticity is rare these days, and I take pride in living mine out loud.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people tell the story of a woman who found true joy in serving others — someone who led with heart, integrity, and faith. I want to be remembered as a servant leader who genuinely loved the Lord and used her gifts to impact lives in a meaningful way. My greatest legacy isn’t in the titles I’ve held or the things I’ve built, but in the people I’ve poured into — those who felt seen, inspired, and uplifted because of something I said, taught, or created. If that’s the story people tell, then I’ll know I lived my purpose well.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bougieeats.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bougieeatsacademy?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrachisholm?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bougieeatsacademy?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@bougieeatsacademy?si=NmwxYb7UJyQK6atd
• Other: https://www.museandmise.com

Image Credits
Chatmandidit
Forrest Cornwell, Sick of Being Famous
Ashleigh Reddy