We had the good fortune of connecting with Keon Atwater, CCP and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Keon, how do you think about risk?
Risk taking has been so very impactful on my journey. Whether it is In life or in my career, I believe In taking leaps. Unfortunately, this wasn’t always the case. I use to allow fear, doubt and outside opinions dictate how I would navigate as a whole. There were days where I would feel this sense of urgency to do something outside of the norm but I was too afraid to step outside the box. I didn’t want to disrupt the status quo, so I stayed in the lines. I allowed fear of failure to keep me in a place of stagnation, constantly hoping for better. In theory, I was doing everything I was “supposed” to do in a traditional manner (based on societal expectations) but I was miserable. At this time anxiety, depression and self sabotage would get the best of me because I wasn’t doing what I felt like I was being called to do. I would pass up opportunities because I felt incapable or unqualified. I didn’t believe in my talents enough to pursue them, so I talked myself out of trying. Then suddenly one day, I was so fed up with myself and where I was in life that I decided to say “why not!?”. If I was already navigating with the mindset of failing, why not at least TRY?!? This was the day that I decided to risk my comfort and chase my passion. Nothing was ever the same after I chose myself over everyone else’s opinions. It’s like everything clicked and I began to grow and flourish in my purpose. Outside of the opportunities that presented themselves along the way, the growth alone has been so very valuable. Risk taking has given me so much confidence, gratitude and fulfillment. I am grateful for that moment that I decided to leap.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My name is Keon Atwater, CCP aka The Multifaceted Chef. I am a Certified Culinary Professional/Chef, Artist, Author, Content Creator, Brand Ambassador, Fashionista, Podcaster, Blogger, Entrepreneur and overall entertainer who has worked in various industries.

Whether it’s food or art, the Multifaceted Chef is full of surprises!
People are able to not just relate to me but also connect with me through my products, services, podcast, blogs, events, youtube channel, books and content. By not putting myself in a box I have found a way to reach multiple groups of people who resonate with my work in whichever way calls to them.

As the V.P of Atwater Productions & Publishing LLC.,
CEO of NaturalBlackUnicorn,
and CEO of GoldUnicorn; my goal is to share my passion while uplifting, educating and inspiring others.

My work has been featured in “Voyage Atlanta“, “Nashville Voyager”, “Bold Journey” initiative, “Canvas Rebel” and “The Creator Spotlight” with Ramen and Crystals as well as online publications for the “Maxim CoverGirl 2020” competition and the “Miss JetSet 2022” competition.

My podcast has featured various Artist, Entertainers and Entrepreneurs.
I have appeared in multiple videos and have a history of collaborating with artist in the music industry.
Through my brand ambassador and promotional modeling role, I continue to support small owned businesses and other creators.

Outside of offering my services as a Personal Chef, I have published two books.
My first book, “A Dose of Fuego” is a recipe guide series which is Inspired by the Erotic Book Series “Fuego Dosage” by Jonnise Atwater, MBA.
Introducing the first of an unforgettable culinary and literary experience, where poetry and food seamlessly collide to reveal a story.

This dual concept, “A Dose of Fuego” break’s down the elaborate and erotic tales of “Fuego Dosage” through aphrodisiac based food with a plant based twist.
“A Dose of Fuego” was creatively conceptualized by pairing a series of dishes that convey key element’s of erotica using aphrodisiac component’s.

My second book is a journal that inspires self-love and self-care.
“Self-Love Journey: The Tarot Journal Edition” was created to help aid people in their personal development and spiritual journey. Often the road of self-care can be much like a roller coaster, there are plenty of ups and downs but it is constantly in motion.
It can be hard to keep track of all of the sudden changes and experiences that occur on this journey, hence why I have created a journal to help others sort through these every day experiences.

Both books are available on Amazon and we are excited to announce that we are working on the next book release for 2024.
You can also find merch and art that has been inspired by each of our concepts.

Lastly, recently we have launched a Mental Health Campaign called “Everyday I Fight For My Sanity” which is used as a way to unite people who are battling the daily struggle of maintaining their mental health. We also aim to use our platform to educate those who are not familiar with mental wellness. Our overall goal is to encourage others to seek a healthier lifestyle through wellness and mental health, using our many products and services as a guide to doing so.

As I move forward in my career I aim to continue my family’s legacy and establish something that can be passed down for generations.
Our mission is to curate experiences through our talk shows, podcasts, books, live and virtual events.
Our passion is bringing people together to enlighten, empower, exchange artistry, share ideas, create conversations, and stimulate the minds.
Stay on the look out for this Mother-Daughter Dynamic Duo while we take the U.S and the internet by storm with a book & food tour experience like no other.

Getting to where I am today was not an easy journey but it has been so worth it. Each step on this journey, whether good or bad has been a lesson that drives me closer to my purpose. I think remembering my power and purpose in those moments of doubt and fear, have helped me overcome my imposter syndrome and the haters along the way. With a little passion, determination and faith I was able to take a simple dream and make it a reality. The greatest lesson I have learned is to believe in myself even when no one else does. Now everyday i have the opportunity to do what I love and walk in my purpose.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When it comes to places to go, things to see and what to eat in Atlanta there are a plethora of options! Instead of creating a straightforward itinerary, I decided to outline a variety of options for those who like to go with the flow.

To start, the huge variety of art/music and food related establishments are absolutely amazing in Atlanta. But the very first place I would take anyone coming to the South…would be Waffle House!

You can’t have an Atlanta experience without stopping in for some fluffy waffles or a slamming hash brown bowl.
My favorite location for maximizing this experience would be near Centennial Park.
There’s nothing quite like watching your food get prepared then having an impromptu picnic in the beautiful park. You get to people watch, see the views of the city, converse and enjoy all that nature has to offer.

Near Centennial Park is a Sky View Ferris Wheel which allows you the most beautiful view of the city, this would be a perfect way to spend time after grabbing a bite.
Atlanta also has something called a City Pass that allows you access to the Georgia Aquarium, Zoo Atl and World of Coca-Cola, for anyone who may be looking for tourist friendly activities.

Besides adventuring to places like Ponce City Market or Little Five Points for a variety of entertainment, shopping and good eats; my next favorite place with food, drinks and plenty of fun would be Punch Bowl Social. You can bowl, play games and hang out with your friends in a super inviting and fun environment. This place is like Main Event or Dave & Busters (2.0), but 100% Adult Friendly.

For more of a sports bar vibe, there is Tony’s Sports Bar. They are pretty underrated but curate the dopest vibe. They have a bar with fishbowls, the DJ plays bomb music, plenty of TVs airing the games, a pool area, a huge dance floor and the food is perfect.

Another great place that has weekly events, good food and great vibes would be OurBarATL. The vibes are so awesome here and if you are into art, music, great energy & supporting local artist & entrepreneur… then this is the place to be!

Club 426 is also another spot to be if you are a reggae/soca lover. The music is lively, the crowd is pumping, the drinks are strong and the kitchen is open! This is the perfect late night spot.

Finally, you can’t leave Atlanta without getting Sluttified by Slutty Vegan! If you are plant based then this is the place to be. It’s so amazing to see the growth of this establishment that once started off with one location. Now you can find them all throughout Atlanta and in multiple states.
Although the city has so many vegan/vegetarian friendly places, this is one of the most popular alongside Plant based Pizzeria, Tassili’s Raw Reality Café, Soul Vegetarian & B.A.D Vegan Atl.

Atlanta has so many restaurants and bars that I could literally go on and on.
Outside of the club and bar scene, you can find plenty of museums, events spaces, fairs, festivals, places to shop, concert/music halls and local activities to be a part of.

What I love most about Atlanta is there is something for everyone regardless of their interests or budget. This makes it so much easier to find your tribe. My favorite things about the city is being able to find a sense of enjoyment wherever you are. Even when you are on a budget, you can enjoy nature and people watching. There are a lot of parks + nature reserves, plus Marta will take you just about anywhere you need to go in the Atlanta area. Much like NYC, ATLiens are very entertaining. If you are lucky, you are bound to catch some street performers and local banter.

Atlanta molded me into the strong, creative woman that I am today so it will forever hold a special place In my heart.
The city is so rich with culture and creativity, breeding ground for endless possibilities.
Because of this…I want to say, thank you to the journey and the people that have shaped me throughout the years.
I don’t know where I would be without these experiences.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would love to dedicate my shoutout to my mother. She has been my inspiration since day one and will forever be my inspiration. Everything I am and everything I do is in honor of her and her sacrifices. As a teenage mother growing up in poverty, the world expected her to become another stereotype. The world expected me to become a product of my environment and nothing more. The world expected us to fail and never persevere…But this woman was on the pursuit of success.

I watched my mother defy all odds and handle her business like no other, countless times. She managed to raise my sister and I alone, while pursuing multiple degrees and constantly being an example to us when it came to following dreams. She always does the unthinkable and unimaginable. She is a woman who gets things done and refuses to accept less than she deserves. She is strong, intelligent and grounded in her purpose. My mother will always make a way out of no way. She created the foundation for my future. She is the reason I am here today and without her I wouldn’t be. She constantly motivates, reassures and encourages me. She picks my crown up when it falls and never judges. She is not only the best mother a woman could ask for, but also an amazing business partner and I am so happy to have her. This is for you mama, Jonnise Atwater you are an angel! You are worthy, you are phenomenal, you are amazing! I love youuuu!

Website: https://msha.ke/chefkeon

Instagram: https://instagram.com/chefkeon?igshid=YTQwZjQ0NmI0OA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chefkeonatwater/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/theloc_empress

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/ChefKeon

Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCTSnBE6hsPEnjgMBAPOXFYQ

Other: https://a.co/d/6cZne0C https://a.co/d/4uyxtBt https://open.spotify.com/show/6nK6Eof9X2dOlA3gltEa7Y?si=RCc2AQUwQL64nLeu5doVzw https://peaceloveandlightwqueenkeon.wordpress.com/ https://www.redbubble.com/people/GoldUnicornNBU/explore?asc=u&page=1&sortOrder=recent https://www.artpal.com/Atwaterprodpub https://linktr.ee/atwaterprodpub https://tiktok.com/@thequeenkeon chefkeon@gmail.com

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