Exploring Life & Business with Kai Chase of Creations by Kai

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kai Chase.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I began my career as a journalist in the music industry at the Urban Network and Chrysalis Music Publishing, where I interviewed the top music and radio talent in the late 80s. Despite my successful career in journalism, I often found myself literally falling asleep reading The Joy of Cooking. On stressful days, I would unwind by cooking, baking, and refining my recipes into the wee hours of the morning. I quickly realized this was my true passion! I quit journalism and enrolled in culinary school at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, France.

After completing my culinary training, I went on to work at high-profile restaurants here in LA, including Pamela Anderson’s Sanctuary and Wolfgang Puck Catering & Events. It was then I realized my unique and modern approach to cuisine – highlighting bold flavors influenced by my Californian upbringing and my Black, Creole, and Cuban roots – filled a void in the culinary world.

I took a leap of faith and branched out into the private chef business, where I had the opportunity to work with some of the biggest celebrity names, including Michael Jackson, Barack Obama, Steve Harvey, Kevin Hart, Mary J. Blige, and more.

After seeing my culinary creations resonate with celebrities, politicians, musicians and athletes around the world, I was inspired to share my favorite flavors on a wider scale – which is why I created Creations by Kai, a universal collection of spices inspired by my unique culinary ethos.

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 has definitely been a journey. I’ve been blessed to have garnered my clients and contacts through word of mouth, but not without bumps in the road. Shortly after 9/11, I had to close my first catering business down, which rediverted me into becoming a private chef. Some of the struggles along the way have been staff turnover, food waste and the ever-changing economy. Every day is a grind, but I’m grateful I get to do what I love. Today, my catering business is flourishing, thanks to my connections in the entertainment industry.

We’ve been impressed with Creations by Kai , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
While I’m trained in classical French cuisine, I believe what sets me apart from others in this game is my culinary ethos. My approach to cuisine is truly an homage to my heritage and highlighting the bold, inviting and beautiful flavors of my multicultural roots. I believe this unique approach to food, along with my longevity in the game, is what provided me with the opportunity to create my own spice collection and share my favorite flavors with the world.

I am most proud of launching my brand, Creations By Kai. I’m starting off with a line of bold, exotic spices and furthering the product line to include finishing oils and sugar and salt rims for cocktails. I’m proud to showcase some of the ingredients that inspired the dishes I’ve created over the decades.

Creations by Kai is a collection of universal spices influenced by my Californian upbringing and Black, Creole and Cuban roots. The line is truly a celebration of my love for bold flavors, including Warm Cajun & Chicory (a Cajun country-inspired blackening rub), California Citrus Salt (an organic sea salt blend infused with my favorite California-grown citrus fruit), and 5 Spice Habanero & Ginger (a gourmet blend that brings the heat with Asian, woodsy and floral flavors). Whether you’re a novice or an experienced home cook, this all-natural, gluten-free and non-GMO spice collection lets anyone bring my celeb-approved flavors to life in your own kitchen.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I see the industry becoming a health-conscious society. There is a wide awakening and growth towards health and wellness and I’m glad that I have been a part of this trend before it became a trend. I plan to further educate and provide clean-eating recipes and for years to come.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.chefkaichase.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefkaichase/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChefKaiChase/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/chefkaichase
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/chefkaichase 

Image Credits
Chef Kai Chase