Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Lee
Hi Nicole , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I began my career in architecture, but when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, it became a turning point for me. I found myself reevaluating my passions and priorities, and that’s when I decided to make a significant career shift to pursue my love for cooking. I enrolled in culinary school to formalize my skills, and during this transition, I gained invaluable experience working at restaurants and large catering companies.
These experiences gave me the foundation I needed to start my own business. I took the leap to create Eats by Nicole, where I could share my passion for creating delicious, healthy, and high-quality meals with others. Today, I run a private chef service with a dedicated team of chefs who deliver customized meal prep, dinner parties, and unique culinary experiences, helping busy families and professionals enjoy exceptional food in the comfort of their own homes.
The journey has been incredibly rewarding, and it’s inspiring to see how a passion project during a time of uncertainty evolved into a thriving business.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Transitioning from architecture to the culinary world was a big shift, and I had to start from scratch. There was a steep learning curve as I adjusted to the fast-paced environment of restaurant kitchens and large catering events. Culinary school provided a solid foundation, but the real challenges came from learning on the job and pushing myself to constantly improve.
Starting my own private chef business presented its own set of struggles. Managing a team of chefs, navigating client expectations, and finding a balance between creating exceptional food and running the business were all difficult. Additionally, during the early stages, there were moments when I had to overcome imposter syndrome—wondering if I had made the right choice and whether I could really make this new career successful.
Another challenge was adapting to the unpredictable nature of the hospitality industry, especially when it came to handling last-minute changes or cancellations, and coordinating logistics for events. But each hurdle taught me resilience, and every struggle was an opportunity to grow and learn. It hasn’t always been easy, but the journey has been worth it, and I wouldn’t trade the experiences for anything.
We’ve been impressed with Eats by Nicole, 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?
My business, Eats by Nicole, specializes in providing luxury private chef services in Los Angeles. We focus on creating high-end culinary experiences that bring the restaurant to our clients’ homes, with a commitment to using fresh, seasonal ingredients for every meal. Our offerings include weekly in-home meal prep, dinner parties, and private chef services, all tailored to meet the dietary needs and preferences of our clients.
What sets us apart is the personalized touch and flexibility we bring to each experience. We work closely with clients to curate menus that align with their tastes, whether it’s accommodating specific dietary restrictions or preparing a variety of cuisines. We pride ourselves on eliminating the hassle of cooking, cleaning, and dishwashing—our chefs take care of everything, allowing clients to relax and enjoy a five-star dining experience in the comfort of their own homes.
We’re known for our dedication to delivering high-quality meals and a seamless, stress-free experience, from meal prep to dinner parties. I’m proud that our brand stands for quality and exceptional service, and that we’ve built a reputation for delivering delicious and healthy meals that cater to a diverse clientele.
Our team approach also distinguishes us. Having a talented group of chefs allows us to extend our services to more clients and provide consistent quality across all our offerings. What I want readers to know is that Eats by Nicole is about more than just great food—it’s about creating memorable dining experiences, fostering a sense of community, and bringing a touch of luxury to everyday living.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Luck has played a significant role in both my life and business, and I’m grateful for the opportunities that have come my way. A standout moment of good luck was being selected to compete on a Food Network cooking competition show called Supermarket Stakeout. It was an incredible experience, and winning the competition gave me a confidence boost and validation for the career shift I made from architecture to cooking. The exposure from the show helped open doors and expand my network in the culinary world, which accelerated my journey in building Eats by Nicole.
However, there have also been moments where luck didn’t seem to be on my side. Like many others, the COVID-19 pandemic brought challenges and uncertainties, especially when I was transitioning to a new career. Despite those difficulties, I embraced the situation and used the time to attend culinary school and gain hands-on experience working in the culinary industry. The challenges pushed me to work even harder and stay focused on my passion.
Overall, I believe that luck, whether good or bad, plays a part in everyone’s journey. While I’ve had some fortunate breaks, I’ve also learned that preparation, resilience, and seizing opportunities are essential. It’s not just about the luck you have, but how you respond to it that truly shapes your path.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.eatsbynicole.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eats.bynicole/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eatsbynicole
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@EatsbyNicole
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@eatsbynicole
