Meet Kimberly Williamson: Chef Kimbella

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

Hi Kimberly, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Starting my own business was something I’ve always wanted to do. After attending culinary school, I knew it would definitely be food. I had no idea which avenue to take, because there are so many. I worked in a few restaurants, and at one of those restaurants, I got really involved in catering. I actually fell in love with it. That job helped me realize which direction I wanted to go with my business. I knew I had to create something that, not only people loved, but something that would bring my family together. My business was going to be family run and operated. I wanted to start with providing jobs for my family, and then be able to hire other staff as we grew. I could help my family first, and then others in the community. I wanted to create a serious, yet fun atmosphere for my employees and my customers. My biggest thought was to create an experience that I would want to receive, and have a business that could provide generational wealth for my son.

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.
My first experience with a restaurant was helping a family member open their own restaurant. I helped them come up with recipes, buy equipment, and basically get it up and running. This played a big part in my career, because early on I got to see the do’s and don’ts of opening a restaurant. Believe it or not, at one point in time I was a server. Which i believe helped me learn a lot about front of house operations. I have been at my current job, which has been the most beneficial, for five years. and I’ve learned a lot there. I gained the confidence to go out and participate in cooking competitions. I won a soup competition making gumbo, and I also won a chili competition. I believe what sets me apart from others, and how I win the competitions, is my use of fresh ingredients and flavors. I am all about big bold flavors. When someone eats my food, I want them to remember every bite. I am very appreciative of where I am in my career. It has not been an easy road. I have been overlooked and mistreated. But I always remind myself, what is for me will be for me. And if this journey was easy, I might not appreciate the reward as much. The trials and tribulations made me into who I am today. I’m very excited to see where my business goes. We have two of our own sauces, that we bottle and sell. They’re named after my Great Uncle Charles. He had his own bbq business back home, in Oklahoma. and I promised him I would take his BBQ sauce and bottle it. Chalie’s Sweet n Sexy BBQ is my biggest accomplishment to date, I am so elated that my Great Uncle is alive to see it all come to fruition. Our other sauce is a spicy buffalo sauce, Chalie’s spicy sexy buffalo. Both sauces are full of bold flavors, and are nothing like you have ever had before. I hope my story can be an inspiration to others, no matter what you go through, keep fighting. People might overlook you or act like they don’t see your potential, but just believe in yourself. You can be or do whatever it is in life you wish to achieve.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First, we are going to call my massage therapist to the house, Amber Wilks, and have a spa afternoon We would eat at Alluvia, Hal’s, Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks, Roc South, Zama’s Mexican, Chris’s Caribbean
We would drink at Ubar, Boogalou lounge, Suite Lounge, and we would definitely go to the aquarium and the zoo. You have to go visit the MLK memorial and the Trap Museum. 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 shout out my Mother and Step Father. They have been my backbone through this whole process. They push me and believe in me more than anyone alive. Without them, I don’t even know if I would have had the support to even have my own business. They are my biggest investors and mentors. Thank you both for being you, and helping me see the greatness in myself. I owe so much of my passion to my Daddy. His skill in the kitchen was unmatched. I strive everyday to be like him in many ways. He had the most amazing personality and work ethic. And even though he is no longer here in the physical, I feel him guiding me spiritually everyday! And I cannot forget my baby boy Kameron! He is literally who all of this is for! I love you Kam. Thank you for pushing me to do great things. I don’t know where I would be without them!

Website: www.chefkimbella.com

Instagram: @_chefkimbella

Facebook: Chef Kimbella’s Personal Chef Services

Image Credits
Orpheus Brewing