Today we’d like to introduce you to LaKeisha Washington.
Hi LaKeisha, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Hi Voyage Readers, my name is LaKeisha Washington.
I am Professionally known as Chef Kee or Kee’s.
I started this journey in 2015 in my 2-bedroom apt just simply trying to make a way for my kids & I. I was attending Culinary Institute of L.eNotre in hopes of being a Cuisine Chef. Things happen as they always do when we as people make plans.
Seems as if Jehovah himself smirks at what we think we should do! Ha!
Come to find out, I was supposed be a Pastry Chef all along.
I initially planned on doing cuisine ended up graduating with an Associate’s Degree of Applied Science in Baking & Pastry Arts.
And I couldn’t be more excited… I’ve had a few road humps along the way. I’m still here though shining bigger & brighter than ever. I’m Pastry with a love for cuisine.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Smooth with a few lumps like when you don’t whisk your grits properly. Stir for the people who don’t own a whisk. Lol
Struggles for sure I started this food journey in 2015; from not graduating on time… to taking a leave of absence; staying out for almost a year! I’ve only been a Chef professionally since May 2019. By the end of 2019; the covid pandemic was just getting revved up.
I got hired at the Zoo on my birthday Jan. 13th, 2020, and was without job by Mar. 2020. To overcoming/sustaining through the covid pandemic. To becoming a homeowner in 2021 then directly after dealing with inflation!
The past 3 years have been tumultuous!! The price of eggs right now has me & my Fiancée looking into investing in livestock! Lol! But, no seriously it has been one hell of a ride! Geesh… like they always say only the strong survive!
I am a Victor!!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a Private Chef/Caterer sometimes baker (Don’t quote me on the baking part). I specialize in few different cuisine types Southern, breakfast/brunch, Italian, Latino, homemade desserts, i.e.: banana pudding, cheesecake, cookies, pies, sock it to me cake.
I’m especially known for my shrimp & grits banana pudding, & now my delicious cookies.
At this very moment, I am the most proud of overcoming every obstacle that was placed in my way! Proud of the fact that I have sustained & kept my business afloat with everything the world has thrown!
I think what sets me apart is that I’m a well-versed Pastry & Cuisine Chef. I learned Pastry by default, yet even though it’s not my favorite; I’m pretty darn good at it!
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Hmmmm I’m not sure I believe in luck! I just think what’s destined or meant to be shall be. What God has for you is for just that; You!
Contact Info:
Image Credits
James Watford
