Meet Ken Ridley | Owner & Chef

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

Hi Ken, how do you define success?
Success to me is achieving the goals that you set for yourself without compromising your qualities, values, or integrity. We all want to be successful, but for me I ask myself at what cost?

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a professional Chef. I have been in the industry for 13years. I have worked my way up to the rank of Executive Chef. I know it sounds cliché but what sets me apart is my love and passion for food. I care about every meal that I prepare, whether it is a cheeseburger or a prime cut of beef. I’m also open to critique. I believe that you build confidence from positive feedback and grow from negative feedback. I’m most proud of the fact that so far in my career I have surpassed every goal that i have set for myself. I sacrificed a lot to get where I am today. Family functions, birthdays, and vacations, The list goes on and on. The journey hasn’t been easy. I have had many nights of questioning if I made he right decision, the pay sucks and the hours are long. I worked for a chef that told me I wasn’t worth his time. It’s safe to say I proved him wrong. Love and passion drove me through every challenge I faced. No matter how hard it got “I WAS BUILT FOR THIS.!” What I have learned in my growth is you control your destiny. “Never let any negativity have equity in your mind”. Six Five Spice Company was birth during the great lockdown of 2020. After being laid off and failing to find work. While cooking one day I decided to read one of my spice bottles. When I read the label I saw anticaking agents that I was unfamiliar with. After further research I didn’t feel that they should be in our food. The light bulb went off and I saw an opportunity. My blends either have all natural anti-caking agents or none at all. I personally mix, fill, seal, and label every batch and bottle. I currently have 5 blends. All purpose, Creole Black, Cajun, Gulf Coast Seafood, & Garlic Herb. I am working on some new blends to introduce in the near future.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We definitely would have to hit up Crumbville for some of those Ginger Snaps. I am definitely a Crumbhead. then we would go to Project Row Houses and check out the artwork. Then for lunch we would go to the Original Ninfas, because you just have too. After lunch we would go chill at the Flat, then finish the day off at Lucilles.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to shout out my Family. Y’all know who you are! Thank Y’all for giving me the push that I needed to take the leap of faith and journey on this path. When I lost my job in 2020 they were there for me every step of the way. I love y’all and appreciate everything.

Website: https://six-five-spice-company.square.site/

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