Today we’d like to introduce you to Marlena Joseph.
Hi Marlena, 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?
In my younger years, there were about 5-7 of us living together at any point in time, collectively in our New York home. Not to mention, we constantly had family and visitors that came in from overseas. Our home was always filled with laughter, amazing and, the occasional, not-so amazing moments. While my parents traveled to work in the NY subways, my grandmother was constantly in the kitchen whipping up delicacies. She was and always has been a culinary relic.
Almost daily, she created magic for hours, filling the house with captivating aromas, her smile, warmth and happiness for everyone to share. But the crowning moment…? When everyone sat down at the table to eat… OMG! Their reactions were priceless! There was ranting, raving, praise and deep belly laughter. The limin’ vibes… the unity… food has an interesting way of bringing strangers, friends and family together. At the tender age of six, I knew one thing. I never wanted that feeling to disappear. So… I needed to figure out how to recreate this feeling. But there was just one small problem. Grandma wouldn’t let me in the kitchen! Lol. She’d point out safety and would say, “No dahlin’,” and kick me out of the kitchen.
That didn’t stop me. I was too eager… too nosy. My plan was to learn by watching from afar. I would grab a blanket and pillow, only to lay down right at the edge of where the kitchen and living room met. I would watch her for hours and days. Bend the rules, don’t break them, right?.
It worked! She finally let me in. But I knew deep down, she didn’t have a choice. She had to. Lol. My grandmother stood me on top of a chair and instructed me like a very gentle executive chef. Little did she know, I picked up so many things from my kitchen/living room boundary lessons. She was elated yet surprised at how much I attempted to show simply by mimicking her actions. And so I began my culinary journey…. Or what some would say… me annoying my grandmother… in her domain 😉
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Smooth? Hmmm, I suppose. Our Trinidadian household didn’t allow much room for disappointment or failure. If you were gonna do it, you did it. You adjust along the way, but you stay committed. I think in the states, they have a different saying about doing something or getting off the pot. Same concept here. Lol.
But cooking always relaxed me. Whether it be long days at school, looming exams, celebratory marks in school or later on in adulthood, balancing the ebb and flow of work… cooking was my solace. Being able to create a meal, even for just myself, was very comforting. I do enjoy the reactions from my close friends and family more than anything though. As a perfectionist, I am my own worst critic. But, the compliments and nods of approval from the elders especially remind me that my grandmother taught me well!
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?
Hmmm. Loaded questions. So, I am very versatile in my strengths. By day, I am a compliance auditor, which requires a significant amount of attention to detail. Ensuring that everything is consistent, timely and beautifully prepared for clients both by day in that arena and night in the culinary arena is a transferable skill for which I am grateful.
That’s what I am most proud of; Being able to do those things in all aspects of my life. My relationships, communication, my business career, my food. Each of these things are important to me and how I present them to others makes a world of a difference in our interactions.
All in all, I specialize in understanding what’s needed and being able to execute it. Hands down… I always deliver the goods!
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Oh, man! A major lesson learned is that someone or something is not always going to be as supportive as I’d desire or expect.
People, much like opportunities, have come and gone for one reason or another. Though there is a level of letdown and disappointment that comes with that, my grandma always said that closed doors always lead to the open one. The open door will be refreshing and be the drive and ambition to strive for greater accomplishments, greater relationships and moving past breakthroughs (no breakdowns). We push forwards ever, backwards never… which brought me to ShamisoFoods, LLC.
Discouraged by a number of changes in my life, I decided that I could make one positive change for the better. Chef Wellington, my beautiful other half, helped to remind me of my talents and invited me to help grow the vision for ShamisoFoods. But we grow together… the fusion of the Nigerian and Trinidadian cultures of food made it that much better for new creations as well as an immense amount of happiness that goes beyond cooking. We put that same energy into our food, you know? The love, the care, the time… as we anxiously watch rooms and tables of our diners we serve… we see ranting, raving, praise and deep belly laughter. The limin’ vibes… the unity… food has an interesting way of bringing strangers, friends and family together. Guess what? I did it!! I’ve recreated what my grandmother did so naturally! I reached my childhood goal!
Thank you so much for your time and this opportunity to share a bit about me.
Contact Info:
- Email: Chef.shamisofoods@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.shamisofoods.com/home
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/shamisofoodsllc?utm_medium=copy_link
Image Credits
Ilene Rouamvongsor Chow Club Atlanta
