Meet Chef Jaia

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chef Jaia and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chef, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
What started my process behind my business is pretty simple .

A. I love food, lol. But more importantly, my grandma and mom are amazing cooks, and growing up around them made me appreciate how good food can bring people together.

Good food makes everyone happy. For me, cooking is a way of giving love in a different form. I wanted to share that feeling and that love with the world through my business. It’s not just about feeding people; it’s about creating moments of joy and connection through every meal.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
How I am today is a result of learning, experiencing life, growing with God, and allowing Him to shape and mold me. Believing in myself even during the hardest times has been key.

Was it easy? No, definitely not. The route was tough. I overcame challenges by understanding that not everything in life is meant to be easy. We go through hard times because they shape us and prepare us for what we’re praying for.

Some important lessons I’ve learned along the way are to trust yourself and trust God. Not everyone is on your journey or understands your path. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Take breaks when you feel overwhelmed because breaks are necessary. Don’t rush things; the journey is what matters most. Make God your foundation — He’s the glue that holds everything together. And make sure to make time for yourself and enjoy life along the way.

What I want people to know about me and my brand is that I genuinely care about what I put out. I truly love what I do and find joy in bringing happiness to others. We all go through a lot, seen and unseen, and if I can shine a little light and love, that’s exactly what I’m going to do.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
When my best friend comes to town, she wants to do everything, literally, lol. So I’d plan a week packed with fun, food, and adventure to make sure she has the best time ever.

First things first, she loves getting pampered, so we’d start with a day of getting our nails done, indulging in relaxing spa treatments, and facials to refresh and unwind. Then some shopping to kick off the trip in style.

For dining, we’d hit some of my favorite spots like Joey’s for great vibes and food, Rouxpour for that Cajun flair, Cocoody for fresh, flavorful eats, Kiss for an upscale experience, and of course, I’d cook some of my best dishes to share a truly personal and delicious meal.

For activities, we’d get the adrenaline pumping with some ATV rides and zip lining, Latency, VR World. Perfect for adventure lovers. Since I’m into working out, we’d make sure to fit in my daily routine so we can stay active while having fun.

And because social drinks are a must, we’d explore different bars and speakeasies around town, soaking up the nightlife and trying out unique cocktails in cool, hidden spots.

It’s all about balancing good food, exciting experiences, relaxation, and quality time. Making sure every day has something memorable.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I believe no one achieves success entirely on their own. For me, a huge shoutout goes to my grandma and mom. They not only taught me how to cook but also showed me the power of food as a way to care for and connect with others. Their love and skill laid the foundation for everything I do today.

I also want to recognize the mentors and friends in the culinary and catering world who have taken me under their wing, shared knowledge, and supported me as I built my business. Their encouragement pushed me to keep refining my craft and to aim higher.

Lastly, I’d give a nod to the amazing clients who trust me with their special moments and dietary needs. Their trust and feedback constantly inspire me to evolve and deliver better experiences.

So really, my story is woven together by family, mentors, friends, and clients, all of whom deserve recognition for their part in my journey.

Website: www.chasinthetaste@gmail.com

Instagram: Chasin’ The Taste

Facebook: Chasin’ The Taste

Other: TikTok: _ChefJai

Image Credits
Natalie

Instagram: @natjaneee