Today we’d like to introduce you to Chef Rene Johnson. Her and her team shared their story with us below:
The Chef and Her Sewing Machine
If you’re a foodie looking for some serious style inspiration in the kitchen, then you’ve got to check out Chef Rene’s new culinary fashion line, Chef Renes Kitchen Boutique! This badass chef is not only a master in the kitchen but also a beast sitting at her sewing machine and she’s bringing all her talents together to create some of the most stunning culinary apparel you’ve ever seen.
From the “Flavor Apron” to the chef jackets with matching head wraps, all designed by her and made with African-inspired fabrics. Chef Rene’s Kitchen Boutique is filled with pieces that are as fashionable as they are functional. And, trust us, once you see them, you won’t be able to resist! Her unique style and love for the culinary arts are infused into every piece, making them stand out in any kitchen.
But what really makes Chef Rene stand out is her heart. She’s not just in it for the fashion but also to support and encourage other up-and-coming chefs who want to start their own culinary entrepreneurial journey. As a self-taught chef and caterer herself, she understands the struggles that come with starting a culinary career without the proper resources and support. That’s why she’s using her Flavor Apron brand to bring chefs together, share tips, experiences, and encourage each other. She’s creating a community of passionate culinary entrepreneurs who want to help each other succeed.
And, if you’re wondering whether Chef Rene’s food is as good as her fashion, then wonder no more! She’s catered for some of the biggest names in the business, including Vice President Kamala Harris, Governor Gavin Newsom, Google, YouTube, and many more. So, you know you’re in for a treat when you taste her cooking. Showing up with her signature homemade biscuits, famous blackberry cobbler, sweet potato waffles and fried chicken or showing off with her “off the hook” vegan soul food dishes.
So, foodies and fashionistas, it’s time to get excited! Chef Renes Kitchen Boutique is the perfect place to find culinary apparel that’s as stylish as it is functional. Plus, with Chef Rene’s infectious passion for food, fashion, and community, you’re sure to leave feeling inspired and ready to take on the culinary world. Don’t miss out on this amazing culinary fashion line and the opportunity to be a part of something truly special.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As a young mother at 16 and then a single mother of three, I faced significant challenges. However, I refused to let these obstacles hinder my future aspirations. For the past 25 years, I have been an entrepreneur, and it has been far from easy. I always stress the importance of having the courage to believe in oneself, their dreams, and their vision. To succeed as an entrepreneur, you must have unwavering faith in yourself. You must also be equipped with the skills to navigate the highs and lows of both your business and personal life.
Many people obsess over achieving constant happiness, but the truth is that nobody can be happy every day. What sets successful entrepreneurs apart is how they respond to setbacks. There have been times in my business when my children had to eat ramen noodles or oatmeal for dinner, but there have also been countless occasions where we dined at the finest restaurants.
Building a business requires a strong support system, and I could not have made it this far without my family and friends. It is essential to surround yourself with people who believe in you and your vision. If you do not have a supportive circle, consider joining a group or class of fellow business owners for support and encouragement. Your community is an integral part of your success.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am absolutely thrilled to be a self-taught caterer who has been able to create a thriving business, serving some truly remarkable individuals and top-notch corporate clients. It’s amazing to think that something as simple as my red beans and rice could help me achieve my dreams of owning my dream home and driving my dream car.
And now, having accomplished so much, I find myself able to pursue yet another passion that I hold dear – using my culinary skills to unleash my creative side and bring to life Chef Rene’s Kitchen Boutique. Here, I showcase my one-of-a-kind “Flavor Apron,” as a tribute to my love of cooking and my artistic style. I am beyond excited to share this new venture with my customers and showcase my love for all things culinary.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
In my experience, being in the right place at the right time has really benefited my business. I remember a particular instance where I catered a fundraiser for California State Controller Malia Cohen, and even though I only charged $300 to feed 75 guests, it turned out to be a game-changer. As fate would have it, the late San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee’s right-hand man arrived late to the event and asked me to fix him a plate as we were packing up. He loved my food, and we struck up a conversation that eventually led to a friendship. As a result, I became one of Mayor Ed Lee’s favorite caterers and this small but mighty event opened the doors to the San Francisco City Hall, which was a huge boost for my business, Blackberry Soul. Looking back, I’m not sure if it was pure luck or perfect timing, but I will always be grateful for that wonderful encounter.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.blackberrysoul.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefrenesway/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angela.rene.johnson
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chef-rene-johnson-7a227a33/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/home
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiFGNQGfP8_TRkW8aO7CqEQ
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/RenesKitchenBoutique?ref=profile_header
Image Credits
Toni Zernik
