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

Hi Keiona, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I started Kei Gourmet because I lost my job due to Covid-19 and I never want the fate of my career to be in someone else’s hands again. I started Kei Gourmet to leave a legacy for my family, by becoming the first entrepreneur. I started Kei Gourmet to be a solution to a problem and to advocate for women of color in a male-dominated industry.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
K Jackson Holding LLC dba Kei Gourmet is a multifaceted company that offers the following: Celebrity Personal Chef Services, Catering, Mentoring, Menu Development, ServeSafe testing, Gourmet Sauces, and Seasoning blends, as well as healthy meal preparation. I started Kei Gourmet to show kids that look like me that anything is possible. I mentor young inspiring chefs, to give them something I did not have.

I am the first African Executive Chef of Oxford, MS, and one of the first female Executive’s. With that said, this was not an easy feat by far, and my goal is to change that. If I had to define myself with one word it would be resilient because I’ve overcome so my challenges and made numerous sacrifices to achieve my goals. I’ve overcome racism, sexism, prejudice, jealousy, and multiple health issues all designed to defeat me, but all it does is light a fire under my feet and push me further. I am strong, fearless, relentless, and unstoppable. Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My best friend /sister has been my biggest supporter for the past 25 years. If I had to shout out anyone one person it would have to be Latoya Gray. Latoya has been in my corner during this entire journey; through prayer, motivation, inspiration, and late-night taste testing. Regardless of how crazy the idea was, or how out of reach the dream may have seemed she has always been my biggest cheerleader.

Website: https://www.keigourmet.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/keigourmet2020

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/keiona-jackson

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/chefkeiona

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keigourmet

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