Meet Terence James | Personal Chef

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

Hi Terence, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought behind Chef TerenceJ, was to provide a luxurious and convenient culinary experience in the comfort of my clients homes. To cut out the repetitive restaurant reservations and to bring the upscale restaurant and customer service to the client.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am Chef Terence of Chef Terence J, I use my 10 year culinary career to provide my clients with a luxury and convenient culinary experience, by cooking with the high quality ingredients, food safety guidelines, and an upscale restaurant customer service all in the comfort of their home.

What sets me apart from other is my style of cooking; which is “CARIBBEAN SOUL”. Being from Miami Dade County, which a lot of people don’t really consider to be apart of the south, culture diversity is a core part of what Miami is. So “Caribbean Soul” is a melting pot of all the the cultural cuisines; (Jamaican, Haitian, Cuban, Bahamian, Dominican, Puerto Rican, Soul Food, etc.).

I’m really excited about the possibilities to happen while in Houston. Since I’ve migrated to Houston I have met some of the most ambitious and go getting people I’ve ever met; from Real Estate Moguls, NFL Players, Coaches, Entrepreneurs, and so many more.

Persistence, consistency, and faith is how I got to where I am business wise. Now I’m not gone lie, there were moments when things are low but that’s were persistence, consistency, and faith come in to play. There are days/weeks were I was getting booked for meal prep and traveling to cater brunches and dinners for retreats and group gatherings. But those moments when things were really slow, where I’d just get inquiries and question but no bookings. I just had to stay persistent, with the same energy as if I was fully booked for months out; consistent, with my pictures, posting, marketing material, and letting people know what I do; and kept faith in not just God but myself and ability, because the thought of doubt “give up and just get a job” would always slip in and don’t get me wrong I’m not above a job, but I don’t plan to kill myself in someone else’s kitchen.

I can honestly say, I’ve learn that taking that one step can change your life and mindset. A lot of times I wanted anything perfect from day one; logo, vision, knife and pot set, clients, social media following. But with that one step it all became possible.

I want the world to know that Chef TerenceJ travels and provides an upscale culinary experience and customer service in the U.S and internationally!

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?
Ok so I fairly new to Houston, But I really “Grooves” Karaoke Wednesdays are real chill but fun, Fridays are super lit, and Saturdays are for brunch and they are vibe!!!! Fridays and Saturdays are always good bar hoping days, so Washington Ave and Midtown are always active.
Breakfast Klub is a must, worth every second in the line.
Taco trucks are always a must.
Discovery Green always have something going, so have to check that out.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Oowwee, its a long list of people that has played a part in the “Chef TerenceJ” story. First, my mom (Ebony Young) for supporting me in everything I wanted to pursue, Second, my aunt (Toshia) for actually pushing & leaving me in the kitchen to cook dinner. Third, all the Chefs I have met over the past decade (Mark, Pierre, Clark, Luis, Angela, Sarah, Nikki, Jenny, Cody, Carter), these teachers and their instructions were the building blocks for my Career today. Lastly, a shoutout to my work wife (Foluke Olaoye), for the past seven years, she has been by my side in the trenches (kitchens) & pushing the limits in this Culinary world.

Website: chefterencej.com

Instagram: chefterencej

Linkedin: Chef TerenceJ

Facebook: Chef TerenceJ