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Meet Janee’ Rollins CSC of Chef Janee in Downtown Atlanta

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Janee’ Rollins.

So, before we jump into specific questions about what you do, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
“Tapping into a genius is simple in theory yet hard in practice. It comes from mastering the one activity you love the most”.

It’s amazing how situations, circumstances and moments all come together in small ways, with different players in different places just to create a small portion of your destiny. I have the fondest memories of watching cooking shows all day on Saturday when I was younger. I used to look up the words I didn’t understand and ask my mom about the food I had never seen. Unknowingly I was studying the techniques of Julia Child, Lidia Bastianich and Jacques Pepin. The love for cooking had already started to manifest and I had no idea.

I’ve always known I wanted to do something in life that would help people feel better and be better; I knew for sure I would be in medicine and biology. With these thoughts, originally from Philadelphia, I decided to attend the illustrious Clark Atlanta University and pursue a degree in biology. Although I loved science, I wasn’t fulfilled. It had been about a year since I finished school and I was working at Trader Joes. While there, I grew fascinated with learning about food. I was in a place that was foreign to me: growing up, there weren’t any Trader Joes, Whole Foods, Sprouts or anything like that in the hood. I would pick foods that were unfamiliar to me and cook for family meals. Cooking families’ meals became my job in the store; everyone loved the food. Cooking family meals eventually led to me catering in-store baby showers and any in-store party that was held. I enjoyed cooking immensely and pretty much knew it was what I wanted to do. I wasn’t sure how to make such a career change after spending my entire life with science. I decided to pray and fast asking God to literally show me this was what I was destined to do. The last day of my fast, still not having the answers I was praying for before the store closed an older woman began conversing with me while I was preparing family meals. She could identify the spices I used, what the ingredients were and even picked some up and ate it! I thought she was crazy and brushed the situation off. Ten minutes later, she came back to the store introduced herself as a chef from a 5-star restaurant in New York and told me the food was amazing.’’ Before leaving she said whatever you have been praying about God told me to tell you to do it, that all doors will be open and he will make a way.”

I decided to listen and put everything I had into cooking and becoming a chef. I received almost a full scholarship to culinary school. While in school, I worked at the best country clubs in the city, studied, competed and completely immersed myself in the culinary world. From there, I started to research the best restaurants in Atlanta and anything I could do to learn and move forward in the industry I did. As I continued to learn, travel and grow as a chef within the industry, I realized I had the skills needed to start my own business which would consist of everything I have experience in. I began learning how to budget for catering events, weddings, business gatherings, and everything in between. I found mentors to work under and jobs that would develop my growth toward personal success. It was important for me to be able to be versatile, never wanting to put myself inside a box. I plan to continue working my way up the ladder while using all the tools I’ ve gained to push my personal skills and business to the next level.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Any journey worth taking is going to have its bumps in the road. Cooking and being a chef is truly a labor of love. Long hours, no days off, and holidays are often spent in the kitchen. Being a female in an industry that is male-dominated has also had its challenges. I’ve experienced racism, gender and monetary inequality, sexism and even sexual harassment. I have been told I would never be successful in this industry and that (we) are never at the top. However, one of the most important things I’ve learned is that life is 10% what you go through and 90% how you handle it. Perspective is imperative and mandatory. I’ve used every obstacle to drive my passion, even more, found the keys to open those locked doors and most importantly, understood what is for you will always be for you. When it is ordained and written by God nothing can stop it.

Chef Janee’ – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I’m a Chef from Philadelphia currently residing in Atlanta. I have specialized in catering, menu coordinating, meal prep, personal chef work and fine dining restaurant management. The foundation of my work is based on excellence, hard work and diligence. I pride myself on professionalism and customer service. It is always my goal for each customer to feel and taste the passion represented in each and every meal I create. I believe good food is the epitome of a good life.” Food is a very powerful tool that can break down barriers of race, language, economic backgrounds, and ethnic diversities.” I also take pride in making sure ingredients are always fresh, and quality is never compromised based on a budget! As a chef, I stand out because I’ve become extremely well versed in most aspects of the culinary world: different cultures, flavors, food allergies, dietary restrictions and eating lifestyles have been studied; I’ve practiced conforming to customers’ needs and within various backgrounds. I’m able to provide any type of culinary service needs you may have! When thinking of a name for my business, I decided not to hide behind an actual name, but to instead have my name represent my brand and what it stands for. The name Janee’ in Hebrew means God is gracious. Being gracious is characterized by charm good taste and generosity of spirit. A true chef has the qualities of all these things and understands this is an industry of service. Therefore Chef Janee’ was born! A business that represents my passion for cooking, service and culture. Capturing clients first with a beautiful plate and then satisfying them with amazing taste!!

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
My definition of success is being able to bring what you’re passionate about into existence. When you can manifest and multiply God’s gifts and impact in the smallest ways you’re on the road to becoming successful. Success feels so good; it feels good when you live a life completely outside your box and shock yourself with your own personal accomplishments. Being able to use those accomplishments to enlighten, empower and change the lives of those around you is a sure sign of success.

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Image Credit:
Nadia Anochie Photography

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