Meet Teyonna Gwyn | Chef

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

Hi Teyonna, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Aside from wanting to be my own boss. I was tired of going to places to eat that provided lackluster food with small quantities for high prices. I also love seeing the reaction I get from people who get to eat my food. I want to be in control of my money and eventually be able to give people an opportunity to work with me and provide the working environment that I’ve always wished I had working in the industry. I also wanted to be able to create a family owned and operated business that we can all build on.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a very passionate person. I went to culinary school because of this passion and because of that I am a classically trained chef BUT with that being said the true experience is in the field, that’s where it really happens!
My passion has always been a positive and a negative thing for me. With each job I’ve had I have always treated that job as if it were my own business. I have always strived to learn more and do more and I have never settled. Some people don’t take kindly to that because they think I’m trying to take their job, when that’s not the case.
I also suffered from the typical gender stereotypes where chefs wanted me to humble myself as if I had no idea what I’m doing. Throughout each endeavor it just showed me I’m meant to be my own boss where I have the control! I will not back down to fit into any box . I will continue to grow . I’ve been fired from jobs and I’ve also quit many jobs due to no one taking me seriously. Don’t get me wrong the journey has had its highs because I have worked with some very talented chefs who have taken some part into shaping me into who I am today. I’ll never forget Chef Alex who showed me that I am perfectly fine the way I am and to continue to strive for greatness . She told me to switch it up and not continue to tread the same path because that is the definition of insanity. She said if you keep doing the same thing and expect a different result then I am insane! Push the envelope! And don’t let me being a woman stop me because I AM THAT WOMAN!
I also took it upon myself to work many jobs that offered a different cuisine because when I operate my business I never want to tell someone no . My business will be a one stop shop if I have anything to do with it! You want desserts? I got you! You need your event catered? I got that covered too! Mexican? American? Tex-Mex? Italian? I’m here to cover all aspects! And not only will it look magnificent the taste will match! The smell alone will have you jumping the line and forgetting kids eat first lol. You’ll also be making sure there is some to take home. That is what PannaPasta is about . The overall experience. I’m literally cooking for the people as if I’m cooking for myself . And in the cooking industry they always tell you don’t cook for yourself , you cook for others. Well I am others and I’ve experienced to many places not putting themselves in the shoes of the person who is actually eating the food.

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?
I love to go to a good hibachi. I love seeing my food cooked infront of me that way there are no errors and I don’t have to send anything back. I can’t think of the name but it’s where adults go to play games , for adults only no kids. That’s always been a good time. I really don’t have much to add to this because if I really had to choose I’d be home and whip up something buffet style for everyone to enjoy.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost my mom and grandmother. They’re the ones that started me on my cooking journey .
I remember waking up and hearing my grandmother in the kitchen and I would always join in. I remember making manicotti and whatever else would pop in my grandmothers head. She is the true definition of create as you go!
When my mom was in the kitchen she showed me that even if I don’t eat the food myself I can still make sure that others will enjoy it! It’s all about loving what you’re doing. Being in the kitchen with them both was always a special dynamic because they both have different cooking styles with the same end result! Endless laughs and delicious food!
Secondly whomever I would serve . The people. They’re the ones who made me realize not only is this my passion but what I’m meant to do. The way I see their face light up after eating my food and no matter what job I’ve worked at . People would always tell me they’d purchase my food. I’m made for this!

Instagram: @Pannapasta_

Other: I’m currently working on building my website.

Image Credits
My family