Meet Jahnesta Watson: Private Celebrity Chef

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

Hi Jahnesta, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
One thing that about the culinary industry that most are unaware of is the amount of times you are going to hear “No” before you hear “Yes”. The chef industry, especially in Atlanta is overrun with people who cook. It’s imperative that you do what must be done to separate yourself from others. Something has to stand out as to what makes you different from anyone else that someone can hire. In order do that you’re going to have to bump your head a lot to find out what works for you.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I work for Zillow Closings as the Title Coordinator, I just kind of fell into it after college. When I got older, cooking in someone’s restaurant just wasn’t paying my grown people bills! The challenge has been balancing my business and my job. It’s taught me that you have to be willing to be tired sometimes and sacrifice sleep for your dream but it will pay off in the end.

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.
I love simple things surprisingly. We’re going to hit RuSans, Hattie B’s, Desta Ethiopian, and Ocean Wave.

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 really have to give credit and recognition to God first this is where my gifts come from. I would also like to give a shout out to Jeromie Jones who saw potential in me for bigger that I didn’t see during a dark time in my life. It was so inspiring seeing someone who looks like me doing such great things in the culinary world and genuinely being him. I sat down for a few consultations with him and almost a year later my business has never been the same. I’m forever grateful!

Website: Theguiltyplate.Com

Instagram: TheChefShaiheem

Facebook: Jahnesta Watson

Image Credits
Instagram : @WhoTMike Mikety.myportfolio.com