Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Johnson.
Hi Robert, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started out cooking around 8/9 years old. You know, growing up in Birmingham, AL back then was very rough! So I had to figure out how to cook if I wanted to eat a lot of the time! And I started out burning water!! And watching my grandma cooking as a kid inspired me to want to learn more! Cooking in my family is like a competition! I was the only person she would cook with her as I got older. When I would visit my dad’s house, we would cook Sunday dinner and breakfast every time I’m with him, I would be responsible for cooking something on both meals then eventually, I would have to cook the entire meal! I was always excited and intrigued to do this! I’ve been saying since the age of 13 I was going to be a Chef!
As I got older, my passion and talent for cooking grew even more! My grandma would come to help me with cooking and baking, she would be my main taste tester and my biggest coach! When I started culinary school, that was my whole motivation to use this cooking talent I was blessed with and make it from where we were and bring my family! Considering the majority of my family has been labeled because they went to prison or ran the streets. And everybody knew who my family was! Even the police! So I was determined to not go down that route! A year and a half into culinary school, my dad and grandma died two months apart! And it left me broken, I almost gave up on everything and started making bad decisions! Then I had my son while I was in a very dark place in my life. And he created a new drive and level of dedication in me because I refused to let him experience and deal with the things I had to endure! And that pushed me to graduate college and become The Chef Rob! With the love and guidance from my loved ones surrounding me. We are destined for greatness! This is only part of my story.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I had a child! I have experienced so many losses in my life that would tear down most people. I’ve almost lost my life several times! I almost went to prison! I have been through so much discrimination! And more
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a Certified Culinary Chef. I’m known for my cooking skills and also as the phone man, I fixed iPhones, laptops and tablets! What sets me apart is my personality, character, and ability to be coachable! My skill set, the drive, and the determination I have in me!
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Yes, if you want to cook on this level, please study! Take the craft seriously! Make connections! Study others to be able to be coachable! This game is forever evolving and so many ways! Be yourself and put out great content! This is a very long, stressful career you have chosen so be prepared for that! I wished I knew to push more content out and brand myself! Do that!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Robthechef.com
- Instagram: Chef_Robj
- Facebook: The Chef Rob
- Youtube: Chefrobj
Image Credits
Robert Johnson
