Rising Stars: Meet Justin Hartley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Hartley.

Hi Justin, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am 27-year-old African American male. Grew up in Los Angeles, CA with My Mother and Father. At a young age, I knew that I wanted to cook because I was always surrounded by food and always in the kitchen with my mom. If it wasn’t Video games or going outside then I was in the kitchen. Always ready to be her Sous Chef. At one point, my Grandma Made me a Cartoon Network Apron because I was in the kitchen with them so much. My dads mother was also one of my biggest influences with her bold yet simple flavors that always ran thoughts in my mind and left me wondering, “How did you do that?” Till this day, I still wonder. I never went to culinary school I decided to take the Non-School route and learn on the job which had helped me tremendously.

My first job was at a Wingstop as a cashier, didn’t really want to be a cashier but it helped me learn a lot about the food industry on a minor scale. Soon after, I ended up meeting one of my First Mentors Justin Carlton and he ended up getting me a Job at a restaurant known as Eggslut in DTLA. It wasn’t until here that I learned the actual fundamentals of a kitchen such as knife skills and different herbs and cuts and etc., Speaking of Cuts I got a chance to meet my second mentor Joana Merida and she lit the fire under my ass to make me consistent and really burned the proper way to do and go about things in the kitchen. Also ended up meeting Alvin Cailan, a dope Filipino Chef that took me under his wing and taught me a thing about levels in the culinary industry. While here, I met a lot of other great Mentors and teacher. Ryan, Ode, Gretal, Alex, Jon, Ethan. The List goes on but this place definitely was the beginning to my journey in the culinary world. I grow to understand the importance of creativity and understanding flavors and how to work diligently yet efficient. I Learned the true Essence of Speed Working here.

I also staged at a few fine dining restaurants such as Providence and a Melise. Shortly after I ended up going to a Place Called “Heres looking at you” Ran by one of the most Creative Chefs I know Chef Jonathan Whitener. Although I was still green at this point, he had taught me a lesson In creativity, maybe it was the constant yelling or me forgetting to order certain things for work the next day but it definitely taught me responsibility. Also met a guy by the name of Carlos who worked with me. Being new in a place is always hard but it always gives you that constant reminder of proving yourself and working hard. Six months later, I got a call from my old Chef Alvin Cailan and he invited me to go help open up a place with Tao Group in Hollywood by the name Luchini’s. Since I love Italian food, it was right up my alley. Started making pizzas and worked about five weeks not even two months in I get another call from Alvin and he asked me if I want to go to New York! Hungry and eager younger me said HELL YES! Packed my bags and off to live in the Big Apple. It was here that really caused me to grow and ignite the passion that in which I have today.

I ended up meeting and working with some amazing people. Christian Natividad whose creativity had no bounds and my other mentor Lung Ly and Brian Villanueva. These two People Separately Changed the whole way that I look at food and ingredients as a whole. They taught me to think for myself and when it comes to cooking, listen and think before acting. These things not only help in the Kitchen but in real life as well. While in New York, I took the city in for all its worth Staging at restaurants and learning different ingredients as well as how other restaurants work and run. Met other people as well that gave me the inspiration that I needed. This had made me grow and realize what the real definition of being a chef. From long days and sleepless nights to the thrill of bonding with coworkers that become your family. After two years, I decided to come back home and pursue my own endeavors as making Online Content on YouTube and Creating my Own Catering Brand Cooking With Hart.

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?
No, it hasn’t been smooth, and yes there has been struggles. Some days I wanted to cry, some days I wanted to quit. Constantly worrying about being judged. Constantly trying to prove yourself to be validated in the kitchen. Always fighting to show people your worth. Trying not to get looked over due to your skin tone or where your from. The kitchen is one of the toughest places to work.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a Chef and I also am a content creator, I specialize in creating delicious and flavorful dishes from which the people can taste my experience and watch my creativity. I’m known for using my personality to make my craft enjoyable and fun. Also known for cooking on the weekends and selling my food as well. Trying to get more people knowledge about what they put in their body. I’m most proud of my consistency and my ability to create and adapt to any situation and using my passion to please others. What sets me apart is that I’m not limited to anything, I want to use all my ingredients and resources to make the best dishes that I can. I also cook vegan dishes as well because I want people to eat more healthy and alkaline Foods.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is my creativity and the look on a person’s face once they taste a dish. It’s the disecting of flavors the amazement the curiosity all in one that makes everything worth wild.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.chefjhart.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefjhart/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCEobSqTTJZVGvpfNi1MSETw

Image Credits:
Asher Labostrie (Roehstudios) (Instagram:@gumbo.space) Kashe Masters (livemasterful) (instagram @livemasterful)