Chef Kevin Allen of East Point on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We recently had the chance to connect with Chef Kevin Allen and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kevin , thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Being a present father to my 2 year old daughter, Zuli.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Chef Kevin Allen, I am a culinary school drop out turned entrepreneur. After the rise of fall of our restaurant, Zun zún I took some time to really soul search, a became a father and that was one of the greatest joys ever. After the closing of our restaurant, a little after Covid I went through a season of depression and my confidence was shattered. I felt ashamed, burned out, embarrassed and to some degree fell out of love with cooking altogether. Then like the Phoenix I arose from the ashes after I did some much needed healing and shadow work. I quit smoking, started working out and started to get to the point where I wanted to create again.

That led to my newest concept, Boula. A mobile coffee and floral concept. Boula is a drum used in the Caribbean. Long ago the drum was outlawed in places like Hati which my mother’s side has lineage in. They used the drum to communicate to other townspeople to warn of invaders way up in the mountains. Today we use Boula as a way to communicate to people that you too can rise from a dark place and become successful, and thrive.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
The almighty God, knew me before I was a tiny seed in my mother’s womb! He has plans to prosper me, and once I started to view my self the way God views me my focus and intensity altered.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
I would say the fear of judgement from others, my peers, the fear of looking like a failure. Im working everyday on that.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
Each one teach one. “We rise by lifting others” one of my favorite quotes by Robert Ingersoll. I don’t believe in gatekeeping information or my skill sets to anyone willing to be taught.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
My integrity, the legacy of the many lives that I’ve touched through giving and my philanthropic contributions to my community.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @chefK.Allen @Boula_worldwide

Image Credits
Diego Contreras