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Meet Chef Kia of Kia’s Kitchen in Birmingham

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chef Kia.

Chef Kia, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have so many great memories of my childhood. Some of which were created with my late mom, Denise L. Hall. She taught me the way around the kitchen. From home-cooked meals, cookouts for small gatherings to catering church events. This is where it all began and how I learned how to truly “Serve.” Always with a smile, my mother modeled what it meant to be kind and selfless. She was known for many dishes, but some of the favorites were her Cheesy Lasagna and 7up Pound Cake. I loved to be in the kitchen with my mom, from learning different seasonings to licking the bowl of the cake batter. It was a sense of happiness I can hardly explain. In February of 2013, my mom suddenly passed away. Just three weeks later, after her first grandchild was born, my daughter Makynzie Denise.

July 27, 2016, just days before her heavenly birthday, I decided to honor her by doing what she taught me best. Leaving corporate America and stepping out on complete faith, Kia’s Kitchen was birthed. I found so much peace and happiness just being back in the kitchen, creating new recipes. I started out creating lunch specials three days a week. Now, I provide many services such as Meal Prep, Private Dinners, and events of any occasion.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
A learning experience for sure, but I firmly believe that in every situation is a lesson. I am grateful that this journey has been very rewarding. My goal is to leave a legacy by serving others. Nothing worth having comes easy, but I am grateful God chose me. So if things don’t go as planned, my trust is in Him.

Kia’s Kitchen – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
One of my specialty dishes is my Stuffed Lobster Tails, stuffed with crab, cheese and shrimp topped with cheese and butter sauce. I have been blessed with an amazing staff where we all have a servant’s heart. It is not what we serve, instead of how we serve. We take pride in every meal prepared and every event served.

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
My proudest career moment is our annual 7/31 celebration. My mom was born 7/31 so every year, we take this day and completely honor others from feeding the homeless to blessing others with meals and essential items. Nothing brings us more joy than being utilized by God to be a blessing. None of us, and ALL of HIM!

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