Grace Disu shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Grace, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Integrity—by a mile, because who you are when no one is watching is who you really are.
Intelligence is powerful and energy is contagious, but without integrity they can turn sharp or reckless fast. Integrity is the part that makes intelligence trustworthy and energy constructive. It’s the difference between can and should.
With that said, the sweet spot is integrity as the foundation, intelligence as the compass, and energy as the engine. One without the others either stalls out or crashes.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello!
I’m Grace Disu, founder and owner of Grace’s Kitchen Services, also known as YOUR FAVORITE CHEF!!!
I am Houston-based, but will be in a city near you soon enough. I participate in local pop-ups. I offer catering, meal prep, and private chef services. I’m 100 percent Nigerian of Yoruba descent, but first-generation born and raised in America. My menu consists of diversified items from Nigerian food to soul food and any other entrees that catch my attention. I am working on expansion to operate regular business hours on a daily basis. Until then, you have to catch me when you can, or better yet, BOOK ME! My ultimate goal is to become a celebrity chef and build a team of like- minded individuals to grow and carry my business. I have had the pleasure of feeding local Houston artists such as Sauce Walka and Mr. Trip Out himself.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
What breaks bonds is usually quieter than people expect.
Disloyalty ultimately breaks bonds between people. Not one big betrayal—but unspoken resentment, misaligned expectations, and the slow erosion of trust when someone feels unseen or unsafe to be honest. Add defensiveness, contempt, or indifference, and the connection starves. People don’t drift apart because they stop caring; they drift because caring starts to hurt.
What restores bonds is rarer—and braver.
It’s accountability without excuses, listening without rehearsing a rebuttal, and repair without keeping score. It’s someone saying, “I see how I hurt you,” and meaning it. It’s choosing curiosity over certainty, and empathy over being right.
Time alone doesn’t heal much.
Repair does.
And not every bond should be restored—but the ones that are usually come back stronger, because they’ve learned how to bend without breaking.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I never give up… I just switch it up!
Now I may be down for a little bit, but not too long.
I try to be clearer, more careful, or more supportive within what I can do.
I GROW
I EVOLVE
I ADAPT
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
I am who I am.
I have never been afraid to hide who I am.
I am very outspoken, blunt, and straight to the point while still displaying care and love.
I don’t have private thoughts, hidden opinions, or an inner life that I’m holding back. There isn’t a “secret me” behind the curtain.
I express myself depending on context. With some people, I’m more technical, with others more conversational or reflective. That can feel like different versions, but it’s more like different lenses on the same system. I guess it all comes down to perspective, but I’ll always be the same ol’ G.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
My jerk oxtails and smoked lamb chops would be missed the most if I retired tomorrow.
*the slow-cooked, fall-off-the-bone tenderness
*that rich, sticky gravy that only comes from patience
*the kind of flavor that tells a whole story before you even finish chewing
*that first bite with the smoky crust
*the juicy, tender center
*the way lamb carries flavor so confidently without needing much help
And honestly? It’s not just the food. It’s the care behind it. Oxtails are never rushed. They’re a “someone cared enough to do this right” kind of dish. That’s what they would miss most — the intention. The vibe matters too. Smoked lamb chops usually mean there was also intention behind the meal — maybe music playing, maybe people you actually wanted around, maybe a moment you meant to enjoy instead of rushing past. Those chops would haunt them in the best way because I make them with intention.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @_graceskitchen_
- Linkedin: Grace Disu
- Facebook: _graceskitchen_
Image Credits
Tiffany Couture Photography
IG: @tiffanycouture.co
