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

Hi Kristen, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Owning my own business was a decision to jump, and the parachute will open. It was a sink or swim moment. A total leap of faith in something bigger than me! I have no regrets in my decision, and I am honored to be a small business owner, Personal Chef, and Caterer.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am a lover of all things food, and I love global cuisine. Experimenting with different types of spices, seasonings, meats, seafood, veggies and sauces are super fun and filling to my soul. Cooking for friends, family, and clients bring such joy to my life! What I do is not a job for me, it’s really a genuine and true passion of mine.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
I love shopping, dining, volunteering, and doing all things local. First stop I’d take my friend to is one of my fav restaurants. I really love having brunch at Dean Fearing’s restaurant at the Ritz Carlton, because his flavors scream Texan. His tortilla soup is the bomb.com! After that I’d take my friend to the Dallas Museum of Art, the Nasher Sculpture Center, and then to get fresh air at Klyde Warren Park. For shopping there are great boutiques in Uptown, and Bishop Arts District that are small local businesses. For fresh meats and cheeses to cook for dinner I’d swing by Rudolph’s Meat Market, and Paula Lambert’s Dallas Mozzarella Company in Deep Ellum. The next morning I’d take my friend to White Rock Coffee, and for a bike ride around White Rock Lake, or The Katy Trail. On Sunday I like to volunteer at Fellowship Church kid’s ministry, Oak Lawn United Methodist Church’s Food Pantry, and cooking for the homeless in downtown Dallas at the Stew Pot. For a lovely glass of wine my favorite Lakewood spot is Times Ten Cellars. A beautiful view of the Dallas skyline is at the Statler Hotel pool bar, a simply breathtaking view. For a fun outside concert, and view of Lake Ray Hubbard, Rockwall has awesome free outdoor concerts in the summer. Waxahachie has a interactive Renaissance Festival in the spring. The State Fair of Texas in the fall is a must. Dallas Summer Musicals always hosts the best of Broadway theatre. productions The Stockyards, Billy Bob’s, and Sundance Square in Fort Worth for a true Texas experience is killer. Grapevine has some really cool wine walks. Carrollton has the most fun Korean Festival, and the Spa Castle is an experience in itself. I am a third generation Dallasite, and I love my city I call home!

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?
One of my biggest believers in my business venture from the beginning is Dr. Michelle Nichols, who is a Psychiatrist for Baylor Dallas. She has been my client, turned friend since the very get go! She not only has been my greatest advocate, mental/emotional support, she has also been pivotal in helping my business grow due to word of mouth. Michelle has helped me believe in myself, my business, my God given talent, and helped me overcome any self-doubt and concern I had about starting a business from the ground up. I am honored to have her in my life for continuous support, and true mentorship.!

Website: Www.TheChefKristen.com
Instagram: @Chef.Kristen
Linkedin: Www.linkedin.com/in/TheChefKristen
Twitter: #TheChefKristen
Facebook: Www.Facebook.com/TheChefKristen/