Daily Inspiration: Meet Kayla Utahna

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Utahna

Hi Kayla, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started out at the age of 17 by going to pastry school. From there my desire to expand my craft and see the world skyrocketed, and I lived and worked Utah, California, then Ireland and England. Each place I worked was very different, from humble pubs to catering to restaurants to hotels to the homes of royalty. Throwing myself into the fire like this allowed me to grow and adapt not only as a Chef, but as a person. However, I’ve always known that my goal was to be my own boss. I’ve had a passion to share that was difficult to do in the structure of a restaurant, so after a move back to America, a stressful divorce, and a pandemic, I took a chance on myself and stepped into the private chef world. I now cook for exclusive clients, own a spice company, a catering company, and have appeared on the food network (and won!) With my drive and career continuing on the path of growth, my goal to make a positive impact with my love of food is as strong as ever.

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?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. The culinary industry is very male-dominated, very competitive, and as a young female chef I have had to prove myself time and time again. I’ve been in uncomfortable situations where I have had to adapt, times of overwhelming uncertainty, periods of uncomfortable growth and extreme stress, and through incredibly difficult life experiences that I have had to rise from. As many professionals do, I have to fight the urge to compare myself and my journey to others and remind myself to be proud of where I am today and where I hope to be in the future.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a professional Chef with over 13 years of experience in both savory and pastry arts. I currently operate as a private Chef, offer creative catering for both large and small events, own a company that offers spice blends inspired by cultures and history, and aim to share my warmth and passion for the magic of food everywhere I go. I recently appeared on the Food Network show Supermarket Stakeout (and won!) and am so proud of that accomplishment! I take the personal approach and center my businesses around how food connects us, and am always striving to create connection and memorable, delicious experiences for everyone I have the pleasure to cook for.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I’m not sure how surprising this might be, but even as a professional Chef I can’t stand mushrooms. I love to cook with them and I appreciate what they do for a dish, but I will not eat them! Everyone has a food that they hate I suppose.

Pricing:

• Pricing and menus are bespoke for each event

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.chefkaylacatering.com/
• Instagram: ChefKaylaUtahna
• Other: https://www.bonspice.shop