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

Hi Diahann, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind my success and the success of my brand is absolute integrity. In the quality of my work, and in who I am as a business owner. Divine Personal Chef services are usually rendered during the time when families are at work and school. Thus building relationship and trust was one of the most important factors. Providing quality services, building non questionable trust and providing exceptional services has allowed my business to grow over the 5 years by just word of mouth. It’s amazing to know that what your building has people speaking about you to people who have never met you. Many times when I begin with a new family we never initially meet face to face. All interactions are via phone and messages, however based on the relationships I have built with other families, I am granted access to their home to provide these services without a second thought. You name is all you have in this world. I take pride in knowing that who we are truly depends on the things we do when no one is around. God is my compass and he never leads me wrong.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The Divine Chef Experience is exactly how it sounds. After graduating from college I spent 12 years overseeing college and university dining programs. My titles includes Director of Operations and Dining Director. After leaving Corporate America my main goal was to be of service to others while doing something with a purpose. I was dual enrolled in culinary school while I was in high school. Being a chef was something I always knew I wanted to do. I just didn’t know how I would get there once in Corporate America. So once I left I began to pursue it full time. Gaining some inspiration while watching a movie with my son called the “Chef“. I then began to post ads on Care.com for meal preparation assistance type jobs. In 2016 I received my first booking, and from there word of mouth has helped grow my business. One of many things that separates me, would be my desire to truly be of a servants heart. Serving others help me to push through the hard days. It helps me want to keep growing and making the business better so I can expand and offer these same great dining experiences to others around the country. I have learned that you cannot expect people to see your vision. God leads me. All of my connections and business ventures are truly in Divine Order. I have looked for someone to partner with for over two years, people will listen but they are not where I am with the vision. One thing I want people to remember is that because of the relationship and integrity of my services Divine Personal Chef Services has been successful.

The Divine Chef Experience successfully made it through the hardest time of the pandemic. Through those same relationship I was able to assist the Mayor and her family this past fall. It was a honor to be welcomed into her home to assist with her families meals. Once the pandemic hit services of course changed however that opportunity would have never happened if I had not built trustworthy exceptional relationship.

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?
If my best friend Tiffany was visiting I would take her on a cultural adventure of the city. Atlanta has so many different cultures all in a melting pot. It’s definitely still the south but the fusion is really dope. We would do a market tour. From Dekalb to Buford and all the local farmers markets. Also somewhere we could experience the local floral scene as I know she loves that. Creating amazing cuisines along the way. I have to be very honest and say I don’t eat at many restaurants. Please forgive me. I would much rather create and cook new cuisines. Time shared together in a kitchen is full of laughter and memories. We would book a cooking class with some of the dopest Chefs in Atlanta. The Chef in Pearls for some Jamaican Fare, The Seasoning Bottle LLC for some Dope artistic Food fare or Leslie Gordon for some local cocktails. I’m more of an experience type person, something you can grab on to and go. I would also take her hiking. Many would not know this however outdoors is one of my favorite things. The grace of nature is amazing.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My Shout out goes to an amazing non profit that gave me my first gig in 2015. Love Beyond Walls. I met the team at a outreach event at the food truck park. Soon after I met the founder Terrance Lester and his wife Cecilia. I had recently loss my corporate job of 12 years and was really trying to find my way. At the time I was volunteering at a school cooking for them to get my mind off of myself. One day I went to the Love Beyond Walls office to purchase a piece of art from their collection called “Dignity Art” the organization was assisting those experiencing homelessness who were transitioning into the work force learn trades through Art. That day I was wearing a chef coat and Terrance and I began to talk about my story. Soon after that he booked me for an event he was co sponsoring for the APS PTA meeting. From there I assisted in several catering events for the organization including the release of their first documentary that showed at the Civil Rights Museum here in Atlanta, it really gave me a push into where I am today.

Website: Thedivinechefexperience.net
Instagram: DivinePersonalChef
Linkedin: Diahann Thomas
Facebook: DivinePersonalChef
Other: For reviews please visit me on Google Business @ Divine Personal Chef