Today we’d like to introduce you to Sherri Smith.
Hi Sherri, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is Sherri Smith and I’m affectionately known as Chef Bae. My culinary journey started when I was around eight years old. I was a quiet, shy little girl who loved helping my grandmother in the kitchen. My grandmother Dorothy B. had a large family and would often cook for 8-10 people. She would cook 3-4 times a week and I was always there to help her prep the food and cook. The best part of being the help was also being the taste-tester!! I was around 11 years old when I started watching a new channel on tv called Food Network. I was really intrigued by the different chefs and cuisines.
Some of my favorite chefs/shows were Emeril Lagasse, Mario Batali, Yan Can Cook, The Neely’s, Giadia De Laurentes and Alton Brown. As a kid, I felt like I was a “certified food critic” especially when my grandmother would take me to the Great American Rib Cook-Off and Music Festival. The rib cook-off was annual festival held in Cleveland, Ohio, that consisted of competitive grillers around the region and nation. Her and I would try the different foods and we would judge the food, sauce, etc., amongst ourselves. These types of experiences, along with trying different foods at a young age, helped later in my culinary career. Growing up, cooking was a fun hobby, along with painting, drawing and doing hair. As I got closer to graduating high school, I looked into art programs and culinary school but ultimately decided to go with real estate instead. I graduated from college in 2012 with a business degree with a specialization in real estate. I did pursue my real estate and insurance goals until I could no longer deny my calling. Just as I was starting to take cooking seriously, my grandmother passed away in 2013. Cooking and listening to our favorite songs helped me cope but also helped me evaluate my future.
During this process, I decided to chase my culinary dreams while honoring my grandmother. I began to practice my craft serval times a week. I would share new recipes, tips and tricks with social media friends looking for feedback or suggestions. I was eager to open up a restaurant, but I realized I couldn’t reach everyone while living in Ohio. In 2016, my husband and I moved to Atlanta to accomplish our goals. We’ve had the pleasure of cooking for people near and far, including celebrities. As of 2021, the Chef Bae brand has evolved into a worldwide, innovative, vivacious company that offers cookbooks, seasonings, aprons and kitchenware. We look forward to opening a restaurant in 2022 that will offer great food while honoring my grandmother Dorothy.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
We all face obstacles and challenges. The key to overcoming these obstacles is to always remain brave, resilient and determined. Don’t be scared of what could go wrong. There is so much that can go right, especially if you’re genuine and you work hard.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Not that I’m aware of. Thank you so much. I appreciate the opportunity!
Contact Info:
- Email: cuttinupwithbae@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.cuttinupwithbae.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefbae_
https://www.instagram.com/cuttinupwithbae - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cuttinupwithbae
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/cuttinupwithbae
