Today we’d like to introduce you to Destiny Gresham.
Hi Destiny, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My name is Destiny but most call me Des (Chef Dess). I was born and raised in Atlanta GA, with South Florida being my second home. I have always had a love for food. My love for cooking stems from watching classic Food Network shows and replicating them in the family kitchen and watching my Grandmother cook for me and all my cousins every day. Everything she made would be from scratch and you could taste her love for her family with each bite.
My official journey to becoming a Chef & Nutritionist started when I was in Culinary school. I had this amazing Culinary Nutrition teacher who taught us how food impacted our bodies and the importance of healthy eating. He was able to open my eyes to realizing healthy food can taste amazing, it can provide healing, it provides our bodies with the adequate nutrition it needs and still can be a beautiful presentation. So, once I graduated with my Culinary degree, I went on to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition and ultimately received my Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics.
During my undergrad studies, I created my brand Wellness With Dess. Wellness With Dess incorporates all things I love from food/cooking to health/nutrition to yoga/mind-fullness. It has been an outlet to allow me to be as creative as I want without having to stick to one passion, all the while helping others.
While building my business, I’ve worked in the food and beverage industry for over 8 years, which has allowed me to continue learning and honing in on my culinary skills! I also have been able to work for a University providing nutrition education, teaching cooking classes and helping students understand their bodies through food. I’ve really enjoyed making an impact in the student’s lives.
Everything I have done has been able to assist me in many facets of my life, and I’m happy I’ve been able to do what I enjoy every day!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Definitely not, if anyone says they haven’t dealt with any challenges in life then lucky them haha. From outside factors and internal struggles there’s been many times I’ve wanted to quit, and I actually did for a good period of time. I couldn’t see the value in my work, even with friends/family telling me otherwise. It’s taken a lot of work, I still have my days to really appreciate all that I do. Learning to accept that everything isn’t going to always go as planned or be perfect was something hard for me to adjust to. Life isn’t a smooth path, and like these Atlanta streets, there’s potholes and bumpy roads no matter what path you take.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’d say I’m a Jill of many trades! I’m a culinary nutritionist. I specialize in plant-based eating but well versed in meat-based eating as well. I create meal plans/preps for individuals; I educate individuals on the importance of nutrition and how to incorporate it into their daily habits. I host cooking classes & demonstrations and I’d say I can make a bomb charcuterie and grazing table.
What set’s me apart from others is I take pride in not only creating delicious food/ meal plans but I am thoughtful of the health behind each meal I curate. I want people to understand healthier food can taste and look good too!
I’m most proud of staying true to me and allowing myself to find what I truly enjoy and not just follow the trends of what others are doing. I am authentically me and that’s what keeps me going.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
You can’t be so hard on yourself. Every day is a new day to start again. As a creative, your work is your baby, and you don’t want people to not love it as much as you do, but when something doesn’t go as planned or you don’t receive the recognition you feel you deserve, you can’t just give up. You have to keep going and not give up on yourself. If you have a new idea or want to try something out of the ordinary, don’t let others dim your light, make it happen. Follow through for yourself because no one else has to do it for you.
Contact Info:
- Website: wellnesswithdess.mailchimpsites.com
- Instagram: wellnesswithdess
