Today we’d like to introduce you to Chef Maubs (Aubrey) McCoy
Hi Chef Maubs, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always believed that food is more than just nourishment—it’s a powerful connector of people, culture, and stories. My journey to creating Villa Kitchen started long before the first dish was served. It’s rooted in a love for community, an entrepreneurial spirit, and the resilience I learned from my family who instilled in me the importance of problem-solving and hard work.
The inspiration for Villa Kitchen came during a transformative visit to Tulum, where I was captivated by the way food could be a communal and cultural experience. From there, I started exploring how culinary traditions can merge to create something both familiar and innovative. Along the way, projects like Maria con H and my connection to Amari Tulum taught me the value of storytelling through food and solidified my belief that food could serve as a tool for revitalization.
When I returned to Houston, I saw an opportunity to not only bring my culinary vision to life but to also uplift neighborhoods like the Third Ward and Sunnyside. Villa Kitchen isn’t just about serving gourmet halal dishes with Afro-Latin flair; it’s about creating opportunities, building community, and celebrating culture. Whether it’s through private events, Airbnb partnerships, or tasting experiences featuring Woodson Bourbon, every aspect of Villa Kitchen is designed to connect people in meaningful ways.
The journey hasn’t been without challenges, but those obstacles have shaped my perspective and strengthened my commitment. Today, Villa Kitchen is thriving as a space where food, culture, and community come together—and I’m excited for what’s next. For me, this is about more than business; it’s about legacy, connection, and creating something that lasts.
I was able to take what I had learned from living abroad for a year and coming back home to Houston to partner with two more chefs, Chef D & Chef Shadeed to create Villa Kitchen HTX. It’s the combination of all our different styles & flair that make up VK Houston.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s rarely a smooth road when you’re building something meaningful, and my journey with Villa Kitchen is no exception. The challenges have been as much a part of the story as the successes. When I started, I had a clear vision but limited resources. Navigating the complexities of launching a food business—especially one deeply tied to community and cultural identity—came with its own set of obstacles.
One of the biggest struggles was finding the balance between honoring my creative vision and managing the realities of running a business. Building Villa Kitchen from the ground up meant facing financial hurdles, like managing overhead costs and securing partnerships, all while ensuring I stayed true to my mission.
Another challenge was shifting perceptions. Being in an underserved area like Houston’s Third Ward, I had to prove that Villa Kitchen wasn’t just another food business—it was a movement aimed at uplifting the community and creating something lasting. Earning trust and building relationships took time, but those moments of connection became the foundation of everything we do.
On a personal level, it was difficult to manage the pressure of entrepreneurship while navigating self-doubt and uncertainty. There were moments when I questioned if the sacrifices were worth it, but I reminded myself why I started: to create something bigger than myself.
Every struggle has taught me resilience, creativity, and the importance of surrounding myself with a strong network of support. While the road hasn’t been smooth, it’s been worth every step. Those challenges have shaped Villa Kitchen into the vibrant, community-centered space it is today.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I wear many hats, but at the core, my work centers on innovation, connection, and transformation. My background spans technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and emotional intelligence (EI), with a specific focus on how these tools can intersect to drive meaningful impact. Through my roles with companies like Koherent and projects like Align.ai, I’ve carved out a niche in using data and human-centric design to create solutions that empower businesses, individuals, and communities.
At Koherent, I serve as the lead data scientist and insights manager, where I design data models and dashboards that help clients measure their impact. The work I do isn’t just about crunching numbers—it’s about translating data into stories and actionable strategies that make a difference. Similarly, my work with Align.ai focuses on integrating emotional intelligence into AI applications, ensuring that technology remains human-first and empathetic.
What I’m most proud of is how I’ve been able to merge my expertise in tech with my passion for community-building. It’s one thing to build systems and frameworks that work in theory, but my goal has always been to create tools that improve lives. For example, through my entrepreneurship program targeting underserved areas in Houston, I help bridge the gap between local businesses and emerging technologies, empowering them to transition from home-based operations to commercial success.
What sets me apart is my holistic approach. I don’t see tech and data as standalone entities—I view them as tools for storytelling, connection, and impact. Whether I’m designing an AI system, coaching entrepreneurs, or running a culinary venture like Villa Kitchen, my focus is always on creating solutions that are as empathetic as they are effective.
I think what truly makes my work unique is how I bring a human-centered lens to the tech space. I’ve always believed that technology should amplify our humanity, not replace it. By combining the precision of AI with the nuance of emotional intelligence, I aim to create systems that not only solve problems but also foster connection and growth.
Ultimately, what drives me is the opportunity to create a legacy of innovation and impact—whether it’s through tech, food, or community programs. Each of these avenues is a reflection of my commitment to building something bigger than myself, and that’s what keeps me moving forward.
Any big plans?
What are your plans for the future? What are you looking forward to or planning for—any big changes?
The future, for all of us at VK, our team mission is about deepening impact and broadening the scope of what I’ve already built. I have several exciting plans in motion that span my work in tech, entrepreneurship, and community-building, as well as Villa Kitchen, which is poised for its next chapter.
In the tech space, I’m continuing to grow my work with Koherent, focusing on refining our data models and expanding our ability to measure meaningful impact for businesses and organizations. I’m also exploring further development with Align.ai, pushing the boundaries of how emotional intelligence can be integrated into AI systems to create tools that are not only effective but empathetic and human-centered.
For Villa Kitchen, the next step is scaling operations to solidify its place as both a culinary experience and a community hub. We’re planning to expand our catering services and partnerships with Airbnb hosts, creating tailored offerings like private dinners, charcuterie tastings, and bourbon-pairing events. I’m also working toward becoming a preferred vendor for local event spaces and exploring ways to introduce Villa Kitchen to more audiences through curated pop-ups and collaborations.
On a broader scale, I’m looking forward to continuing my mission of community revitalization. My entrepreneurship program targeting Houston’s Third Ward, Sunnyside, and Kashmere Gardens will play a key role in helping small businesses transition from home-based operations to sustainable brick-and-mortar establishments. This initiative is about more than economics—it’s about regeneration and creating spaces where communities can thrive.
One of the biggest changes I’m preparing for is launching my next app, where I’ll dive deeper into the intersection of AI, human services, community-art driven programs and entrepreneurship. This platform will serve as a thought leadership hub where facilitators can share insights on using technology as a tool for personal and professional growth, while also addressing topics like emotional intelligence, mental health, trauma and self-awareness.
Finally, I’m working toward aligning all of these efforts under one larger vision—a human services consulting agency that integrates everything I’m passionate about. From tech to culinary arts to community programming, my goal is to create a regenerative approach that fosters innovation and connection in all areas of life.
The future is big and bold, and I’m ready for it. Whether through food, technology, or community development, I’m looking forward to creating something lasting—something that leaves an impact far beyond myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Villakitchenhtx.com
- Instagram: villakitchen.htx
- Facebook: www.maubscoaching.com
- Twitter: info@villakitchenhtx.com
- Youtube: aubrey@maubscoaching.com
- Yelp: https://maps.app.goo.gl/n4CRFmoWduSiSrgo7?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy
Image Credits
https://www.instagram.com/sobitartphotography?igsh=MWI4Ymg3ejV5NGcyNA==
