Life & Work with Jaydene Oconnor

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaydene Oconnor.

Hi Jaydene, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was 14 when I got in the kitchen it was my first job and I was working for a cute little family restaurant called Phi’s Frosty, Chef Kathy would let me work with her when it was slower. That is when I decided that being in the kitchen was what I wanted to do with my life. I loved the crazy fast-paced moving during a rush and making sure each dish is made with love and perfection! I continued working in the restaurant industry all through high school and her college years until I moved to Los Angeles where I worked for Real Food Daily and Mr Chow, then I decided it was time for me to start my own business as a Private Chef in 2008.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
When I got in a serious car accident where I had to have both my hips replaced, I woke up from surrey paralyzed and couldn’t walk for a year and was told I may never walk again. That moment pushed me to do this all on my own with my love for being a chef and making my clients happy It made me stronger and more determined that I can get back to my passion! It’s still a struggle every day with being on my feet all the hours I do but I am happy that I am back and doing what I am meant to do and share my love for food with everyone I can.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a Private Celebrity Chef and event caterer 25 years in the industry cooking for Celebrities, Athletes, Royalty and clients from all over the world. I provide Organic Healthy meals with a special creative flare, when you hire me it’s more than just a Chef coming and cooking for you it’s a whole experience from start to finish. My wonderful team takes care of you more than just a meal, we create a moment that you won’t forget! I offer a full-service experience from a massage therapist, hair and nail team, experiences that you may want to have come to your home and my wonderful team of girls that will take great care of you. I have created a great network that can take care of all my client’s needs and they can all come to your home this is part of what sets me apart from other Private Chefs.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I am pretty much an open book and love what I do, my love for being a Chef shows in each of my dishes and I always treat my clients like they are part of my family from the moment I talk to them. I think that one thing most people do not know is that I have been on my own since I was a 17. I worked 2 jobs through college to pay for school and living costs. I am very hard-working and when I set my mind to something I make it happen through blood sweat and tears!

I love supporting nonprofits that help woman and children who are abused it means so much to me since I grew up being abused and I want to do what I can to help others since I know what it was like to have a childhood like that! I am so proud of where I have become and I am so grateful for the people in my life, the support from my boyfriend and friends and all the wonderful clients I work with every day. You only live one life, make it the best and let me feed your soul with love and delicious food.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.seasaltsagela.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/chefjaydene
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/chefjaydene.oconnor/

Image Credits
Photo Credits by Hueman Resources photography and Chef Jaydene