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

Hi Justin, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My initial thought was I need to be my own boss I’ve had dreams of owning a restaurants being a serial entrepreneur in my respective fields but of course there was fear and doubt. I wrote everything out on paper and prayed about it; it took me years but GOD knew what he was doing so now I have multiple streams of income all in the realm of what I love to do.

What should our readers know about your business?
I started cooking when I was 7 years old like I said previously I watched my grandmother for years then I started watching (MPT) Maryland Public Television and some of the worlds greatest chefs taught me a lot . Emeril Lagasse, Julia child , Martin Yan, Jacque peppin, to name a few. In Baltimore we have something called the Baltimore book festival and in the early 90s famous and local chefs would showcase there food and I was blessed to be with emeril Lagasse, chef John shields, Marcel deseanlaurners , chef John Randall and the experience was amazing to watch them up close and personal which also fueled me to become a chef. I would also like to share that the hospitality industry isn’t easy it takes tough skin , perseverance, dedication and sacrifice to make it through just like any other job . I started off basically at a mom and pop restaurant carryout cleaning collard greens and pig feet then once I enrolled in culinary school my first job was the classic catering people on cold side and we literally made everything from scratch but it taught me so much about myself as wanting to be a chef I had to push through.

I would like the world to know that if you put your mind to do something no matter how it looks stay the course your dreams will manifest you just have to be in the right position to receive Gods blessing . No doesn’t mean your denied your just being delayed so never give up I am a living witness

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Hmm… Well first we would definitely grab something to eat so we would go to perennial in towson , Hit up a dope vibe on a Monday possibly a outdoor event Sky dweller or depending on the weather. Head to fells point for great drinks and scenery grab some ice cream.

Shoot to DC to enjoy there food scene then we relax on Thursday so Friday we hitting happy hour Ra sushi then hitting one of the best nightlife vibes in the city “select lounge “ Saturday we do brunch at Cindy lous fish house then find a shisha bar
We party in VA or Dc that night

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 want to think the my mother Jacqueline Holloman for believing in me and seeing something in me further then I could to become the Chef and entrepreneur that I am today. I have to mention the Late Hattie Elizabeth holloman who cultivated a atmosphere in her home by making amazing food with her hands rather it be that pineapple upside cake, corn pudding, pig feet, or simple as fried fish she birthed the foundation in me to love the fellowship of what food brings to peoples heart, mind, body and spirit. All of my fellow colleagues, friends, and love ones who motivate, push me to be different and to continue on my quest of greatness that GOD has put inside of me

Website: Justinthecurator.co

Instagram: _justin_thecurator

Facebook: Justin Holloman

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.