Today we’d like to introduce you to Kalani Jules
Hi Kalani, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Hi! I’m Kalani, and I’m 13 years old. I’m an actor, public speaker, and young chef – and I run my own business combining all three.
My journey started when I was really young. I’ve always loved being creative and trying new things. During the pandemic, I discovered my passion for cooking and began hosting virtual cooking lessons to teach other kids and families how to make simple, healthy meals. That experience sparked something bigger – I realized I wanted to share my love for cooking with more people while also building confidence through public speaking and acting.
Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to act in short films and movies, which has helped me grow both on-screen and in front of live audiences. I love storytelling and bringing different characters to life, but I also enjoy using my voice to inspire others. Through public speaking, I’ve been able to share my journey, encourage kids to follow their passions, and talk about the importance of healthy food choices.
My business, Born 2 WIN, brings everything together – I create content that blends cooking, creativity, and positive messaging. I recently finished my first cookbook featuring my favorite recipes, and I’m working on building my brand to reach even more people.
It’s been an exciting journey so far, and I’m just getting started. My goal is to keep growing, learning, and showing other kids that they can do anything they set their minds to!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—starting and running a business while balancing school, acting, and public speaking comes with its challenges. One of the biggest struggles has been managing my time. Between auditions, rehearsals, cooking projects, and keeping up with schoolwork, it can feel like there’s always something to do. I’ve had to learn how to stay organized and make time for the things I love without feeling overwhelmed.
Another challenge has been building my brand and getting people to take me seriously as a young entrepreneur. Sometimes, people think that because I’m 13, I can’t handle big opportunities—but I’ve worked hard to prove that age doesn’t define what you’re capable of. I’m constantly learning new skills to improve my business, whether it’s perfecting a recipe, improving my acting, or practicing my public speaking.
Financial support has also been tough at times. There are costs that come with growing a business—like creating my cookbook, attending special programs, and building my online presence. My family and I have worked together to find ways to make it happen, and I’m grateful for the people who believe in me and continue to support my journey.
Even with these challenges, I wouldn’t change a thing. Every obstacle has taught me something valuable, and it pushes me to keep going and reach for even bigger goals.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I do a little bit of everything—acting, public speaking, and cooking—but what really makes my work special is how I bring all those things together. I’m known for creating fun and educational content that encourages kids and families to explore healthy cooking while also inspiring them to follow their dreams. Whether I’m on a film set, speaking at an event, or sharing a new recipe, my goal is to make people feel motivated and empowered.
I specialize in making cooking fun and easy. I love taking classic dishes and putting my own twist on them while also teaching about the benefits of healthy eating. I recently completed my first cookbook featuring my ten favorite recipes, which is something I’m really proud of. It represents all the hard work and creativity I’ve put into my cooking journey so far.
What sets me apart from others is my ability to mix creativity with purpose. I’m not just a chef—I’m also a storyteller. Through acting, I get to bring characters to life, and through public speaking, I share real stories that inspire people to keep going even when things get tough. My work isn’t just about food or performance—it’s about encouraging others to believe that they are Born 2 WIN, just like my business name says.
I’m most proud of how much I’ve grown and the positive impact I’m making. From hosting virtual cooking lessons during the pandemic to volunteering in my community and now working on building my brand, I’m excited to keep pushing boundaries and showing other young people that age doesn’t limit what you can achieve.
Any big plans?
I have some exciting plans for the future! I’m focused on growing my brand, Born 2 WIN, and expanding my work in acting, public speaking, and cooking. One of my biggest goals is to turn my cooking content into a recurring series where I can teach more people how to make fun, healthy meals while sharing positive messages. I also want to continue building my social media presence to reach a wider audience and connect with other young creatives and entrepreneurs.
In the near future, I’m looking forward to attending the Debbie Allen Middle School program, where I’ll be able to sharpen my performing arts skills while keeping up with my academic studies. It’s a huge opportunity, and I’m excited to learn from some of the best in the industry while continuing to grow my business.
I’m also planning to release more cookbooks and develop my own line of kitchen products designed for kids who love to cook. I want to show other young people that you can follow your passions and turn them into something real, no matter your age.
Overall, my biggest goal is to inspire and empower others. Whether it’s through acting in a major film, speaking on a big stage, or sharing a new recipe, I want to keep encouraging people to believe in themselves and know that they are Born 2 WIN!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Kookingwithchefkalani.com
- Instagram: Kalani.jules
