We recently had the chance to connect with Cameron McClung and have shared our conversation below.
Cameron, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
My wife and I found out she was pregnant in late January. This year has definitely been the most meaningful since I started back in 2017. Since we found out it’s given me a new appreciation and focus in life. I’m extremely grateful for all of my clients but especially the ones who keep me busy on a weekly basis.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Cameron McClung, and I’m a private chef based in Houston, Texas. I own Crafted Eats, where I specialize in weekly upscale meal preparation, lunch and dinner catering, private dinners (family-style and plated), and bartender service. We also host pop-up events at Baileson Brewery in the West U area a couple of Fridays a month up until June. Now, my wife and I are planning for the birth of our first son, who’s due in early October. I’ll take some time off to be with them and then start booking for late November and into December, which are usually my busiest months and require quick bookings.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I would have to say my mother. Her and I have always been super close. I’m unapologetically a momma’s boy. My dad worked long hours throughout my youth and the one constant was my mother. Always there w her pom poms ready to cheer me on. She’s always encouraged me to do what makes me happy and her support has been unwavering. She knows me better than anyone and I wouldn’t be who I am today without her.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
When my father passed away suddenly in 2018. I had lost grandparents & friends but losing my dad shook me like no other. We buried him 2 days before Christmas and I retreated to the mountains for a week and promised myself that when I came back I was going to “make it happen”. My father passed 6 months after I started my business full time. He was never given the chance to see what I’ve become today. He was the hardest working man I knew and I made a vow to myself to continue to make him proud everyday. 5 years ago I got a portrait tattoo of him on my right inner bicep. I give him a kiss and ask for strength anytime I need it and he’s always w me wherever I go.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I think the ones who truly know me would say my family and friends matter most. I’m the only child and my family is small so I’ve always looked at close friends like family. My mom has always been my biggest cheerleader and shoulder to lean on. My wife is at the center of my world and taking care of her and our soon to be son is my top priority. Taking care of those who take care of you is huge with me. Feeding people is what I do but being able to be there to do that for my family is what it’s all about.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
The mountains of Colorado heal me. We have some really close friends of the family who have a place up in the mountains. They are basically my second set of parents and I’m extremely blessed to have them in my life. Anyways, I’ve been going since my senior year of HS. After monumental changes in my life and it’s always been a place where I gain the most clarity. Besides the mountains I would have to say the kitchen. A lot of the population uses cooking as a hobby. To me it’s my hobby that just so happens to be my profession. I take no days for granted because the restaurant industry is very hard and I feel fortunate to be able to do what I love, make a decent living and have some flexibility to be able to spend valuable time w my fast growing family.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: craftedeats.htx
