We’re looking forward to introducing you to Saucy ChefD. Check out our conversation below.
Saucy, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
My first 90 minutes of waking up goes a little like this.
1: the first 10 minutes I allow my eyes to focus, then I use the bathroom.
2: I workout 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the day I may start with a jog in the mountains .
3: I then shower and pray afterwards.
4: Get dressed and than eat breakfast, breakfast consist of a fruit plate, slice of avocado and some source of a turkey protein.
5: off to work I go!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Executive Chef Donald Mayo, better known as Chef D. is an LA. based chef bringing a different flair to the culinary world. Hailing from Southeast Washington, D.C..
Chef D. comes from humble beginnings with a strong foundation built and reinforced by his parents.
Throughout his childhood. Chef D. was able to nurture his artistic talents while earning an education. Growing up in an environment where many of his friends did not have much of the same support he was blessed to have. his parents consistently impressed upon him the importance of earning an education and attaining his goals.
Through formal training and his own personal spin, Chef
D. is able to weave a culinary tapestry of tantalizing flavors. highlighted by his bold personality. This experience leaves his guests not only physically satiated, but mentally stimulated as well. Make no mistake, his casual conversation, while preparing custom meals for his clients is no indication of the level of expertise he embodies. He believes, when you are cooking, “any time you are stressed out, it’s because you didn’t plan correctly. You have to see stuff happening before it happens.* This moniker is felt by clients form the time he arrives, to the time he dries the last dish.
As the Executive Chef and Partner of The 8th Notch, in Los Angeles. Chef D. brings the East and Midwest together with a West Coast flair. His proudest moments as a chef include the 2008 Presidential Inaugural Ball as well as leading a team that prepared over 16.000 plated dinners for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. He has a wealth of experience and has solidified his place in the Los Angeles food industry.
Other notable achievements include his annual feature at the L.A.
Dodger’s Stadium as well as being sought after celebrity chef throughout Los Angeles.
Chef D. has taken the LA. food scene by storm and is looking forward to making your next dining experience one you will want to recreate over and over again.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
The moment that really shaped me to see the world, is when I was incarcerated for 5 years. It allowed me to see how more smarter I was than the people I was housed around.
I immediately told myself that I had to make a change with my life. So I changed my perspective and gained more knowledge.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I stopped hiding my pain once I stopped working in corporate America. Being a convicted felon and executive chef at a high state can always be at jeopardy when you have a background.
Working for myself allowed me to be comfortable to speak about my past.
From there I was able to exercise my full power!
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends will always tell me in departure, to keep my foot on the gas and stay sharp and dangerous at all times!
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
When I’m gone from earth I will be remembered the most on good of a heart I had.
I’m always looking to help someone with there goals in life and taking them to the next level.
Contact Info:
- Website: SaucyD’s.shop
- Instagram: @Saucychefd @saucy_ds
- Linkedin: Saucy chef D
- Twitter: Saucy chef D
- Facebook: Donald Mayo
- Youtube: ChefD729
Image Credits
Rashad Amir
Saucy D’s Llc
Josh Wooldridge
