Meet Monique Banks: Chef MoMo-Private Chef

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

Hi Monique, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Work life has changed drastically for me due to motherhood and also the pandemic. I took time off to focus on my family. My pregnancy was difficult towards the end, severe pelvic pain as well as back pain forced me to go on bedrest. My health as well as the health of my baby was my priority thankfully my clients understood and supported my my decision to take time off. I was used to working 14 hour days with hardly any time off. Traveling the world with my clients and being on call 24 hours a day. thrived off of the hustle and bustle and pushing myself to the limit. I was known as the go to person for last minute events etc however due to the pregnancy and the pandemic life was put on hold as I knew it. I focused on launching new business ventures such as an organic skin care line that I make from scratch called Luv Skin Deep. I’m writing a food memoir called The Power of Priority about my life and experiences with my clients and I launched a coffee company called Not Ya Cup Of Tea with my sister. I’ve learned to stop and smell the roses and to make time for whats important. My success comes from putting God first he is the foundation in which my life is built on. The ingredients of life change daily but the recipe always calls for love.

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?
I am in the business of healing people through food. I am excited to know that food soothes the soul and no matter what comes your way a good meal brings smiles to people faces. The journey wasn’t easy but its worth it. I did not go to culinary school however God has anointed my hands and blessed me to have prepared dishes for the most exordinary people. From owning a food truck called Side Chik to private cheffing, I’ve learned in this business that you must know your worth and then add tax! I pray that I am known for the love that I exude!

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?
One of my favorite restaurants to eat in LA is Lily’s Cafe located in Malibu! They have the best fish burritos I’ve ever had! Get the burritos and head to Zuma Beach to soak up the sun while eating the most yumtastic burrito. Another one of my fav restaurants is located in Detroit called The Southern Smokehouse. A taste of the South mixed with bbq simply delicious and lastly Max’s located in North Philly. My hometown doesn’t disappoint, order a cheesesteak with extra meat! Best cheeseteak, hands down. Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I thank God for my awesome support system. My wonderful loving husband, my beautiful children, my mother, father and sister. My Mother and Father in Love. My God Mother Beverly Wright. My Pastor Rufus Hayes and Mama Hayes. My best friends Janaya, Ashley, Tara as well as my Sisters in love and little little sisters. All of these people have made an impact on my life in the most amazing ways! Without them I couldn’t have done half of the things that I do!

Website: Www.iamchefmomo.com.

Instagram: Iamchefmomo

Twitter: @moniquemoy

Facebook: Monique Banks

Other: Www.luvskindeep.com Www.notyacupoftea.com

Image Credits
Karen Ashley