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?
My journey began over 25 years ago in the culinary world, learning under some of Los Angeles’ most respected chefs. From the start, I was passionate about using fresh, seasonal ingredients and creating dishes that not only taste amazing but also tell a story. That passion led me to start Sea Salt & Sage LA, where I design custom menus tailored to each client’s preferences and special occasions, weddings, celebrity Events.
Over the years, I’ve had the honor of cooking for a wide range of clients—from couples celebrating milestones to celebrities, athletes, and even royal families and 2 US Presidents. My work has also taken me abroad, serving as a personal chef on international movie sets. Today, I continue to grow, sharing my love for food and bringing people together through beautifully curated culinary experiences.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road. Like many in the culinary industry, I faced my fair share of challenges. Early on, breaking into a competitive food scene in Los Angeles required perseverance, especially as a woman. Starting my own business—Sea Salt & Sage LA—came with a new set of challenges: building a client base from scratch, managing logistics, and staying creative while handling the behind-the-scenes work. There were moments of uncertainty, especially when stepping into high-profile roles or catering to celebrity clients where expectations are sky-high. Every challenge helped shape my resilience, sharpen my skills, and reminded me why I love what I do. The journey hasn’t always been easy especially after a horrible car accident and my surgery left me paralyzed and the struggles of learning to walk again and the fear of not being able to do what I loved drove me to not give up and get back in the kitchen, I still deal with pain everyday but it’s been deeply rewarding and I am never going to give up what I love to do!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a private chef and culinary curator who specializes in crafting bespoke dining experiences centered on fresh, seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. I’m known for designing individualized menus that capture each client’s personality and palate. My passion for crafting food that only tastes good but tells of story of care, creativity and connection at the table. From cooking for celebrities around the world to serving intimate dinners that bring people together. I take great pride in the artistry, precision, and the heart that goes into each dish.
What sets me apart is my commitment to turning every meal into an immersive experience. I don’t just cook; I collaborate, tailoring each menu to tell a story and making every event unforgettable, and I treat my clients like they are part of my family. I am grateful that I am where I am today, and I know nothing can keep me away from what I love! Being trusted by my clients to create their special moments is the greatest honor of my career.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Over the next decade, I see the culinary industry continuing to move toward hyper-personalized dining and sustainable sourcing. My Clients increasingly want experiences that reflect their own tastes, health goals, and cultural backgrounds—so menus and immersive dining events will become the norm, not the exception. I see luxury dining shifting from simply serving exceptional food to curating unforgettable moments—turning a private dinner into an immersive journey that reflects a client’s personal story and sense of place. I get so excited when I think of what I will create next, and I am so lucky to have a great team that helps me keep moving into the future of being successful Private Chef business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.seasaltsagela.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefjaydene.oconnor/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chefjaydene.oconnor
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chefjaydene/
Image Credits
Jeff Coggins Photography
