Meet AJ Walker | Chef & Staff Development Consultant

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

Hi AJ, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Work life balance is such struggle as an upcoming entrepreneur. I currently work in restaurant management as a General Manager with a growing company. In addition to that, I am also on their training and development team. Aside from working full time, I am constantly trying to squeeze in time to workout, spend time with friends and family and most importantly grow my business. Maintaining a healthy work like balance is important to me because your mind, body and spirit need to be refreshed in order to see clearly. But, I also understand the importance of the grind in this journey to entrepreneurship. In my life right now, I am definitely in grind mode. So, yes! I might get a little less sleep or spend a little less time with my friends but in the end it will all be worth it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Becoming chef has an interesting journey. I decided to go to culinary school right before the pandemic started. Once COVID hit it was like the world stopped. I’m thankful that I was able to complete my degree despite these crazy times. In a weird way it a was blessing in disguise. With smaller class sizes, my school revamping the culinary department and hiring more chefs instructors of color, I feel like it was confirmation for me to get it done. It was inspirational to see chef instructors of color tha had also graduated from The Art Institute. I think what sets me apart is not only my passion for great tasting food but also my knowledge and experience with customer service and managing the front of the house. I think pairing those 2 together, my future concept has great potential.

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?
I think Atlanta has a great social vibe. If MY friends were visiting we would definitely go to places like the TRAP Museum, Botantical Gardens at Piedmont Park, we could catch a Hawks or Falcons game or even check out Fat Tuesday at the Battery. Night life would be a must as well. We might hang out with the locals on Edgewood or maybe ball out and hit up Gold Room. We can forget to eat some good food! Breakfast at Barneys, Slush, , Busy Bees, Hattie Marie’s BBQ, The Breakfast Boys, Slutty Vegan…. should I continue? Black owned businesses are definitely a vibe out here. There are plenty of options of quality food and supporting black entrepreneurs.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
God first, always. Without him, I am nothing

I have to give a HUGE shout out to my late mother. All of our time spent in the kitchen during my childhood is my inspiration for becoming a chef. My mom had a natural talent that she definitely passed down to me. I continue to try and make her proud with how I live my life. I also want to shoutout to my dad and sisters. They have been such a huge support during my culinary journey. They kept me encourage and on track to finish school. They prayed over me the entire way. Without them I may not have finished. I push myself everyday because I want to be ablet to take care of them the way they’ve always taken care of me. Lastly, I want to give a shoutout to the ladies of The Queens Collaborative. These ladies are former classmates of mine and we have decided to work together to pursue our dreams. We support each other, mentor each other, listen, respect, learn from one another and best of all cook amazing food together. I’m so grateful that we crossed each other’s paths. My chef journey would not be the same without them!

Instagram: @chefajwalker

Twitter: @chefajwalker

Yelp: Alyssa W.

Image Credits
Adrienne Edwards StudioOn33rd