Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamaal Shakur.
Hi Jamaal, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My story as a chef started at the age of seven. I constantly watched my mom cook breakfast & dinner, so one day I asked her if could I help. I did it because I wanted to bond with her. I started off baking and I liked it, it was fun and it was creative but over a couple of months I started to get bored with it.
I wanted to cook! My mom pulled me to that side and I fell IN LOVE with it. Holidays, dinners, lunches, breakfast I was doing it all with her. She taught me how to hold a knife, clean as I go and the basics/fundamentals of cooking. All of my success of where I’m at now is because of her. After going to a regular college right after high school I wasn’t happy with where I was. I didn’t care for school and ultimately wanted to leave. After my freshman year in college, I transferred and went to Le Cordon Bleu. This was maybe one of the most happiest days of my life. I was excited but scared but also thrilled. I didn’t want to mess up at all. I loved and appreciated Le Cordon Bleu but after only three months of attending, I transferred and attend Johnson & Wales University “JWU” in Charlotte NC. JWU was a culinary school in Charlotte and I graduated from there in 2018. I learned a lot there, I became better, Interned at Disney World and was offered a TA position in both Culinary and Baking & Pastry labs.
After graduating from JWU I worked at a restaurant in Charlotte, NC called Foxcroft CO. This was my second restaurant job but it was maybe my hardest. I was pushed to limits where I felt on my own but I know it was what I needed if I wanted to be this great Chef I knew I was. I worked there for maybe 2 and a half years, met great chefs who elevated me and wanted to do better. I learned how to work & master every station including the hardest “Sauté”. I learned how to make sauces from scratch, how to pair wine with food, how to plan for the day and how much I need to prep. Everything I went through so far has got me to where I’m at now and it’s only the beginning for me. I still have a lot and a long way to go. I have great people in my life including my fiancé “also a chef” who pushes me to be better.
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?
For the most part, it has been a smooth road. I had more good journeys than bad but for the times that has been hard, I learned to control what you can control. One of my hardest journeys in my culinary career was when I could not afford to go back to school. I felt defeated because I was somewhere I felt happy and wanted to be but that one obstacle was in my way. Over 1 year of being out of school I finally went back.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a young talented Chef. I grew up loving to cook and always wanted to have a life in the industry. I was never the chef who wanted to work in restaurants forever; I want my own Food Truck. Which I will mix Molecular Gastronomy. I specialize in creativity, beauty, and love. I put my all into cooking. Whenever I cook for people I want them to feel my passion. I want them to feel the energy, the love.
What makes me the most proud is knowing I’m doing what I love. I wake up every day happy to cook. I don’t cook for myself, I cook for others. What set me apart is that I know I’m better. I add different elements. I’m doing things a lot of other young chefs aren’t. “Congratulations to them.” It’s not being cocky, it’s confidence. My food is amazing but I just do not have the follow/fan base to share it with. I’m great at what I do and the people who eat my food agree.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
I learned to spend time with the people who actually love you. Family. I’m now an engaged man with a daughter. They are the most important part of my life, so every chance and moment I get it’s always with them.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Chef_Maal
- Youtube: Chef’n W/ Dej & Maal
