We recently had the chance to connect with Johnene Breaux and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Johnene, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Something outside of work that is bringing me joy lately is solo traveling – exploring new places and enjoying unique experiences.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Chef Joy—I’m a private chef, creative entrepreneur, and the founder of Taste of Joy LA and the upcoming docu-series Behind the Plate. I’ve spent the last several years cooking for high-profile clients, curating elevated culinary experiences, and building a brand rooted in storytelling, flavor, and connection.
What makes my journey unique is that I’m not just passionate about food—I’m passionate about people. Through Behind the Plate, I’m spotlighting creatives, artists, and cultural changemakers by sharing their stories over shared meals. I believe that food is more than just nourishment—it’s a gateway to understanding who we are, where we come from, and where we’re headed.
After living and working in the Pacific Northwest for almost a year, I’ve recently returned to Los Angeles to take this next chapter seriously. I’ve been quietly building for years, and now it’s time to share it with the world—loudly, intentionally, and with heart.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
My relationship with God has most shaped how I see myself. He is my source, my strength, and my constant reminder of who I am—especially in moments of doubt. When the world feels uncertain or when I start to question my path, I always come back to the truth of who I am through Him. That foundation grounds me, guides me, and keeps me moving with purpose
Is there something you miss that no one else knows about?
Something I miss that not many people know about is being home with my family. Moving away was one of the best decisions I’ve made for my growth as an individual, but it also comes with a quiet kind of grief. There are days I wish I could be there in person—to help my parents, take them out to lunch, spend time with my nephews, or show up more for my siblings. Being away makes that harder, but I try to visit home as often as I can.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I think my closest friends would say that what really matters to me is loyalty, purpose, and being true to who I am. I think they’d also say I value growth, faith, and protecting my peace. At the end of the day, I just want to live a life that reflects what I believe in and make an impact while doing it.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’ve followed the pull of what feels right in my spirit, not necessarily what I was told to do. I wasn’t handed a clear map—I had to build my own path through intuition, faith, and experience. So while I don’t know if I’m doing exactly what I was “born” to do, I do know I’m aligned with my purpose. And to me, that’s enough.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tasteofjoyla.com
- Instagram: CheffJoyy
- Linkedin: Johnene Breaux
- Other: TikTok: ChefJohneneJoy
Image Credits
Tyler Holmes
Jamal Barnes
