Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiana Gee.
Tiana, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
When I was a young girl, I knew that food was my favorite thing in the world. I spent lots of time eating and thinking about what I was going to eat next. At some point, I ended up curious about where it was coming from, how it was made and what was that exact flavor I was tasting. I played around with my food a lot and ended up making lots of little messes. Even when I was spending time with my childhood friends, we always ended up in the kitchen, most likely because I was so curious what other people ate. This then turned into a mock and play cooking show that I’ve been manifesting in my head since I could remember. By the time I was in junior high, I was certain that I would become a chef, I took food classes throughout my whole school career. In high school, I was what you would call the star student in the culinary department, I ended up competing in a competition through CCAP (Careers through Culinary Arts Program) and won a few scholarships to some small food art programs.
While going to school, I started working at some amazing restaurants here in my hometown, Los Angeles. I had a huge passion for learning more but also teaching and entertaining, so I launched my cooking show on my Youtube Channel, “Cookin’ with Tee”. After spending some time in the LA food scene, I moved to New York to work with my mentor, Marcus Samulesson where I became a sous chef at his Harlem eatery, Red Rooster. When the pandemic hit, I came back home to Los Angeles where I started working more on my show, CWT and doing some private cheffing, food styling and catering gigs. I am currently still learning and working on my craft. There are a lot of exciting things popping up in my near future and beyond and I can’t wait to share them all with the world and others like myself who just breathe and live all things food.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I believe all roads have their turns, twists, bumps, blind spots and beautiful scenery all along the way. I’ve faced many challenges as a young, black, female cook who hardly ever takes no for an answer. While working my way up in the food world it was difficult because I felt I didn’t have anyone to relate to or let alone anyone who even looked like me. This year especially has been rough for small business owners and as we conclude 2020 I can say although this year has been tough and we’ve taken some losses there have also been many new and exciting things that have happened. The one lesson I can say I’ve learned is not to let anyone get in the way of what you want to make of your dreams. All in all everyone’s road looks different but I’m here for the journey and I’m ready for all of it!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a private chef, caterer, food stylist, creative and food media presence. My work is very inspired from things that are all around me or within me. Each dish I make or meal I prepare for my loved ones, clients and friends is inspired by happy emotion, what’s in season, what I love to eat or grew up eating or even what my clients love to eat. My food represents not one flavor profile but many flavors, techniques and styles that my co-workers, clients, family and friends can all say that they’ve enjoyed whole heartedly and they’re always ready for more. I am most proud of the woman I am becoming and who I am today as I continue to learn more about the world, myself and of course food.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I loveeeeeeee LOS ANGELES,CALIFORNIA. In fact I actually grew up in Glendale but at the end of the day like it or not I’m still an LA Baby by heart and soul. I love the diversity, I love the farmers markets, the beach and the weather of course. I love that these streets are where my family reside and I love to call this home! The least thing I like about it here is of course… the traffic.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheftianagee/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cheftianagee
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChefTianaGee
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/cookinwithtee
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