Meet A’Lexis McKenzie | Traveling Personal Chef & Caterer

We had the good fortune of connecting with A’Lexis McKenzie and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi A’Lexis, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I knew what I loved to do and I knew my love for cooking exceeded being able to do it for anyone else. So I decided I could never do it for anyone else professionally.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My love for food surpasses your average foodie and or the chef at your favorite food spot. My love for food is deeply rooted to not only my childhood, but to before I was born. It is ignited by not only my passion, but the pain I’ve endured over my lifetime. I’m most excited about using my platform to be able to reach out to people across that world young, old, and everything in between. I want to help them find their inner little chefs and show them it isn’t just a hobby. I got to where I am today by being determined and never losing site of my dream even if I wasn’t sure how I’d get there. It was filled with adversity. I initially wanted to go to law school, because I didn’t want to contribute to the stigma of the African-American woman cooking and cleaning for the rest of my life knowing my potential allowed me to succeed at whatever my heart desired to do for the rest of its life. But waking up and doing what you love daily is priceless and I knew whatever I chose to do in life had to assist me in being the change I want to see in the world. Food is something that we all need no matter what ethnicity, demographic, culture, etc.

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.
First thing’s first before we presented ourselves to society I’d make sure we get manicures from the great nailzbymii and pedicures from Unique Nail & Spa. Then, I’d book us hair appointments with Maggiestylez to make sure we are slayed to perfection. Next, we’d have to do brunch at least twice at my favorite breakfast spot, Flavor Rich Restaurant. After stuffing our faces we’d go to day party vibes at Suite Food Lounge, The Landing, or Boogaloo. Once we got our vibes checked I’d make sure we cooled off at Slush ATL. Lastly, we’d wind down at some of my favorite nightclubs and or after hours Views Bar & Grill because as a D-Girl I love a home away from home and this is a Detroit classic as the second location. Red Martini or Blue Martini no matter the color you can’t go wrong. Hide Lounge and Revel are also fan favorites. When we’re not clubbing I’d make sure we ate at Cocina Mexicana for Taco Tuesday or late night margaritas and enchiladas from Mama’s Cocina Latina. We’d do creole at Copeland’s of New Orleans. If we’re in a finger licking mood we’ll stop by The Bando to get a bite to eat and say hi to their amazing staff. And when we just want to kick it we’d get our roll on at Cascade, smell some flowers and soak up the sun at Atlanta Botanical Garden, or just get a real ATL vibe at Trap Music Museum.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Terry Canty Jr. a.k.a. My Uncle Man may he Rest In Peace. He’s the person that taught me to make my first meal at the tender age of 6 so I never had to depend on anyone to feed myself. He also taught me that I could have any and everything my heart desired in this world and that no matter what know my worth and what I deserve.

Instagram: shes.grade.a

Twitter: young_n_rckless

Facebook: A’Lexis McKenzie

Youtube: Everything’s Grade A

Image Credits
Everything’s Grade A LLC & Superstar Jamar