Meet Ken Ridley | Owner & Chef

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

Hi Ken, what’s your definition for success?
Success to me is achieving the goals that you set for yourself without compromising your qualities, values, or integrity. We all want to be successful, but for me I ask myself at what cost?

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 am a professional Chef. I have been in the industry for 13years. I have worked my way up to the rank of Executive Chef. I know it sounds cliché but what sets me apart is my love and passion for food. I care about every meal that I prepare, whether it is a cheeseburger or a prime cut of beef. I’m also open to critique. I believe that you build confidence from positive feedback and grow from negative feedback. I’m most proud of the fact that so far in my career i have surpassed every goal that i have set for myself. I sacrificed a lot to get where I am today. Family functions, birthdays, and vacations, The list goes on and on. The journey hasn’t been easy. I have had many nights of questioning if i made he right decision, the pay sucks and the hours are long. i worked for a chef that told me I had to prove I was worth his time. its safe to say I proved him wrong. Love and passion drove me through every challenge i faced. no matter how hard it got “I WAS BUILT FOR THIS.!” What i have learned in my growth is “you control your destiny. Never let any negativity have equity in your mind”. Six Five spice company was birth during the great lockdown of 2020. after being laid off and failing to find work. while cooking one day i decided to read one of my spice bottles. when i read the label i saw anticaking agents that I don’t feel should be in our food. The light bulb went off and i saw an opportunity. My blends either have all natural anti-caking agents or none at all. I personally mix every batch, fill, seal, and label every bottle. I currently have 5 blends. All purpose, Creole Black, Cajun, Gul Coast Seafood, & Garlic Herb. I am working on some new blends to introduce in the near future

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We definitely would have to hit up Crumbville for some of those Ginger Snaps. I am definitely a Crumbhead. then we would go to Project Row Houses and check out the artwork. Then for lunch we would go to the Original Ninfas., because you just have too. after lunch we would go chill at the Flat, hen finish the day off at Lucilles

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to shout out my Family. Y’all know who you are! Thank Y’all for giving me the push that i needed to take the leap of faith and journey on this path. When i lost my job in 2020 they were there for me every step of the way. I love y’all and appreciate everything.

Website: https://six-five-spice-company.square.site/

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