Meet Laura “chef Chel” Wharton | Owner & Personal Chef

We had the good fortune of connecting with Laura “chef Chel” Wharton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Laura “Chef Chel”, how do you think about risk?
Risk is a fascinating concept. For me, it often evokes feelings of uncertainty and anxiety, as the outcome is always unpredictable. However, I view taking risks as an invaluable opportunity for growth. Stepping outside of my comfort zone challenges me to adapt and develop new skills.

While it’s rewarding when a risk pays off, I believe the real value lies in what we learn when things don’t go as planned. Each setback prompts a shift in mindset, encouraging self-reflection and resilience. This process of analyzing what went wrong, resetting my approach, and trying again cultivates a positive outlook that significantly contributes to my success.

Taking risks not only builds character but also deepens my understanding of my strengths and weaknesses, paving the way for more informed and confident decision-making in the future.

What should our readers know about your business?
I’m the proud owner of Chef Chel’s Kitchen LLC, where I serve as a personal chef for 5 families, focusing on their health and well-being with personalized, seasonally inspired weekly meals. What excites me most is building personal relationships with my clients. Food has a unique way of bringing people together, and I love being that common thread in their busy lives.

I enjoy the creative freedom to design the menu each week. For some families, I emphasize low-carb and diabetic-friendly options, while for others, I explore a variety of flavorful dishes and cultures. This balance keeps my creativity flowing and gives each of my clients the opportunity to try new things.

My journey to becoming a personal chef has been incredibly fulfilling. After graduating from Johnson & Wales University in 2020, I worked in various restaurants and even took on a role as a social media manager focused on food content. This diverse experience has enhanced my creativity in food styling, photography, and seasonal cooking, as well as teaching me how to develop menus, pricing strategies, and recipe ideas

Gaining this experience helped me find the confidence to venture out on my own. Moving from New Jersey to Atlanta was a pivotal step in my career. Although relocating across the country alone at a young age was challenging, it taught me resilience, bravery, and determination—qualities that are essential in this field. I love how welcoming the food scene is here in Atlanta, and being in a big city continually inspires me.

I want the world to know me, Chef Chel, as a creative and talented Black woman bringing a fresh and colorful perspective to the culinary scene. As a multifaceted chef with passions in music and fashion, I draw inspiration from these interests every day.

When you book me as your personal chef, you can expect to taste the love in every dish. I go above and beyond to create the best dining experience each time. My joyful personality can brighten even the toughest days for my clients; they look forward to seeing my smile and sharing laughs while I cook. I truly enjoy becoming a part of their family.

Being a personal chef is about 20% cooking and 80% being personable, dependable, and managing your time effectively. It is one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had in my career thus far, and I thank God for every step of the way.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When my friends come to visit, my first stop is definitely Ponce City Market. It’s a great place to take people new to the city—it’s where I went when I first arrived in Atlanta. I love grabbing a Chicken Empanada from El Super Pan Latino Sandwich and Bar, and then heading next door to Minero for some of the best margaritas.

If we’re doing Sunday brunch, I can’t resist the Apple Cobbler French Toast from Toast on Lenox or the classic Chicken and Waffles from Roc South in Brookhaven. I also adore Asian food, so we’d have to hit the Food Terminal in Chamblee for Grandma’s BBQ Pork Noodles.

To work off all that delicious food, we’d definitely take a nice walk along one of my favorite trails, Brook Run Park in Dunwoody, or head back to the BeltLine to enjoy the city views

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I can’t take all the credit for where I am today without acknowledging my family and friends. They’re the ones who lift me up when I feel stuck, offering support and valuable business ideas. Plus, they’re my real-life taste testers, eagerly waiting to sample whatever I create—though I suspect they just enjoy the free snacks!

Instagram: @chefchelskitchen

Other: Tik Tok: @chefchelskitchen

Image Credits
Chef Chel