Meet Chetelvia Thompson | Chef

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

Hi Chetelvia, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?
I would have to say deciding to live for myself. When I say this, I mean as in not allowing other people’s perception of life to influence mine. It is natural for the people that love you to have reservations on what you should do in life. It is also natural for you to listen to their worries and concerns but at the end of the day you have to make the move that is going to best suit you and in the end, you will see why and in hopes they would be proud of you no matter what.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Really, I am obsessed with my business; Boujie SoulFood has my attention most these days. I cater for weddings, parties, events whatever you need. I am still building my foundation, which is, small pop ups, marketing in person etc. My end goal is a Ghost Kitchen in several locations. I would not say that it is easy, doing anything that involves you building it from scratch comes with its trials. Sometimes it will feel like more trials, but the reward is grand when it comes.

The lessons I’d say that I’ve learned through this whole process is to have a strong belief. Say you’re not religious, at least have a strong belief in yourself and don’t cast negativity in your own life. Nothing comes from that. I can speak all day about getting over minor setbacks in life, but death seems to be a bigger challenge & with that there is no being positive that is just you finding the strength within yourself to push forward.

I want people to know that my business is here to serve you. I have worked so many fast-food places and restaurants to know that my customers are never going to have a bad time dining with me. Unless you are just that person, haha.

Forever always thank you to my supporters and my future supporters.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Say my friend was in town the first place we would hit up is the Gatlinburg strip. How can you not take somebody there. Now, I am not from Tennessee but when I found that place, I deemed it to be my place of escape. I am not big on restaurants so we would hop from one to another. I will say that we will be in all of the museums, definitely try some Moonshine. Dollywood would be towards the end of our trip.

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?
Honestly, shoutout to YouTube. Big shout out to my family for kicking my butt but gifting me with the strength to transform doubt to success.

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Image Credits
Ginger Carmon