Meet Kimora Marie | Chef & Model

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

Hi Kimora, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
When the pandemic happened I used that time to focus on my passion for cooking and modeling. So I started to cook my favorite foods and also try new foods, since I wasn’t able to go to my favorite restaurants anymore. I would post different types of foods on my social media and people would always write me asking for a plate or asking if I sell food. But at this time cooking was just a hobby for me and not something I took serious. I also didn’t think my food was good enough to sell to people. During this time cooking also became a way me and my family would bond with each other. My grandmother would teach me how to make different types of Belizean meals and I would teach her how to make different types of meals such as Chinese food, Asian food etc. As my grandmother to get sick I slowed down from cooking to focus on her needs. Once she passed away I decided to turn my love for cooking from a hobby into a small business. I wanted to feel more connected to her. I also wanted to do something in honor of her so that’s when I began to start selling food and doing small events for friends and family. This is how I came up with KimorasKitchen. While doing this I gained a following on my instagram which led me to pursue modeling even more. I begin to post more pictures and different photographers would reach out to me do photoshoots. I also joined a modeling team called ImNEXTModeling that help me brand myself better. Joining this company help with my self esteem and also build my confidence level up. The group of girls and even the management all helped me grow and I was able to unleash a different side of me that I never knew existed. Because of this I was able to love myself more and also be comfortable in my body.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I work as a Kindergarten teacher. Teaching has always been a passion of mine.I love kids and i always knew I wanted to work with kids in some type of way. For me I believe teaching is more than just coming to work and doing lessons. I love to make my kids feel comfortable, loved, and I like them to have fun while learning new things. Growing up I remembered what is was like to have that one favorite teacher in school and that’s what I want to be for my students. Getting to this point wasn’t easy I switched my major multiple times while in school trying to decide if I really was cut out for a job like this. But nothing else I did felt right. While going to school I also had a couple of teaching assistant jobs just trying to find the right school for me. Along this process I’ve learned to just keep pushing through and to trust in GOD. If you want something you have to fight for it nothing worth having come easy. Ive also learned that when it your time then its your time and you have to just trust the process.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Some of my favorite places in NYC would have to be Magic Hour Rooftop I love the scenery its good for taking pictures on instagram lol. The drinks are also very good. I definitely would have to go to Sojo Spa Club for a massage and just to relax. I would have to also Paint and Pour in the city.You get to paint listen to music and just have fun.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to shout out ImNextModeling for helping me and pushing me to get myself more out and exposed to different things. Thank you for all the training, long talks, and just keeping me focus on the main goal. Most importantly thank you for giving me the confidence to even keep going.

I would love to thank all my friend’s who supported my cooking business. whether you bought food from me, came to my pop ups, or just sent me money to get supplies

My mother for believing in my dreams no matter what it is thank you for always supporting me and my ideas no matter crazy they may seem.

Last but not least I would love to thank my grandmother Yvonne Thompson. For teaching me how to cook and because of her I was able to turn something that we did for fun into a long term business opportunity.

Instagram: @kimora.marie_

Other: @Kimoras.kitchen_