Today we’d like to introduce you to Keis Briscoe
Keis, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey began with a deep-rooted passion for culinary arts, which I’ve nurtured from a young age. Originally from the inner city of Baltimore, MD, I’ve always felt that this life chose me due to my natural interest in cooking. I remember being as young as 4-5, watching my grandmother cook and being intrigued by her techniques and cooking style. I pursued formal culinary education beginning at the age of 14, gaining a solid foundation in French cooking techniques. I began my career in various kitchens across the US and abroad, my passion for my craft and attention to detail quickly propelling me to management positions in every kitchen I worked in. Eventually, I became a sought-after private chef for celebrities in Los Angeles. I’ve been featured in multiple esteemed publications and recently competed on Food Network’s Chopped. Recognizing a gap in the market, I launched a designer chef apparel brand specifically for women, combining functionality with style. My entrepreneurial spirit hasn’t stopped there; I’m actively working on expanding my brands and developing a line of gourmet sauces and spices, bringing innovative flavors to the market. Committed to giving back, I founded a non-profit organization focused on empowering youth in Baltimore. As a true foodie, I love discovering new restaurants and culinary experiences. Today, I balance my roles as a businesswoman, investor, and mentor, guiding the next generation of chefs and entrepreneurs in their entrepreneurial journeys, all while continuously seeking new opportunities for growth and innovation.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
This journey has most certainly not been a smooth road. Growing up in the inner city of Baltimore presented me with significant challenges, with limited resources and opportunities, and being a woman of color required me to work even harder to pursue my dreams. Balancing formal culinary education with high school was demanding, necessitating immense discipline and time management. Breaking into the highly competitive culinary industry involved proving my skills in various kitchens across the US and abroad, often working long hours, holidays, and birthdays under intense pressure. As a woman in a male-dominated field, I faced gender bias, which motivated me to create a chef apparel brand for women chefs and culinary workers. Starting and managing multiple ventures, including the apparel brand and a line of sauces and spices, posed financial and logistical hurdles. Establishing a non-profit organization to empower youth in Baltimore meant navigating bureaucratic challenges and securing funding. Additionally, maintaining a work-life balance while managing my professional responsibilities has been an ongoing struggle. Despite these obstacles, each challenge has taught me valuable lessons, strengthening my resolve and making my achievements all the more rewarding.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a private chef, entrepreneur, and philanthropist known for my innovative approach to culinary arts and my commitment to empowering others. Specializing in creating unique, flavorful dishes, I cater to high-profile clients in Los Angeles, combining my formal culinary training with diverse international experiences. I also own a designer chef apparel brand tailored specifically for women, merging functionality with style to support female chefs and culinary workers. Additionally, I am developing a line of gourmet sauces and spices, bringing bold, innovative flavors to the market. My most proud accomplishment is making it as far as I have while also working towards a dream I’ve had since the age of 12: a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering youth in Baltimore, providing them with resources and opportunities to succeed. What sets me apart is my relentless drive to overcome challenges, my dedication to empowering women in the culinary industry, and my passion for giving back to the community. Balancing multiple ventures while maintaining a high standard of excellence in all my endeavors truly distinguishes my career.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
The qualities I feel are most important to my success are resilience, discipline, and consistency. These characteristics have been crucial in navigating the many challenges and setbacks I’ve encountered throughout my journey. Growing up in the inner city of Baltimore, I faced significant obstacles, but resilience enabled me to push forward and pursue my passion for culinary arts. In a highly competitive and often male-dominated industry, resilience helped me overcome gender bias and establish myself as a sought-after private chef and entrepreneur. Discipline has been essential in managing multiple ventures, from launching a designer chef apparel brand to developing a line of gourmet sauces and spices, and founding a non-profit organization. Consistency in my efforts has allowed me to build and maintain a high standard of excellence across all my endeavors. My ability to adapt, persevere, and maintain a positive outlook, even in the face of adversity, has allowed me to achieve my goals and continuously strive for excellence. These qualities, coupled with my unwavering commitment to empowering others and giving back to the community, have truly been the cornerstone of my success.
Pricing:
- Fancy Chef Coats $120
- Fancy Chef Pants $85
- Fancy Tee’s $35
- Fancy Aprons $65
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chefkeisbriscoe.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefkeis/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChefKeis
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUv8G6QO9ZAVWgOV6gkPkYA
- Other: https://fancypantschefgear.com
