Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Kearney.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Crystal. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Originally from North Carolina, I was born and raised by a single mother and had two brothers Brian, the oldest and Christopher my twin. I also have two other older brothers from my dad that I didn’t see it as much as a child. Life as a child was great for the most part and being the only girl made it easy to be a tomboy when it came to playing in the neighborhood. I enjoy it TV and movies so much as a child that I never felt the absence of a father figure watching shows like The Cosby’s, Full house and Family Matters. And my mother never neglected our necessities. She was definitely one of those moms that didn’t play and didn’t have to say much of anything to us about how to act in public, but you know we tried her a few times. Wrong move, LOL. By the age of maybe eight or nine life had began to change as I knew it. I was asked to perform sexual acts by two individuals known by the family. Experiencing those actions at an early age affecting me tremendously that I didn’t know how to tell someone and it occurred several times. Then at the age of 10 unfortunately, my mom’s time here on Earth in the earlier than we expected. This event separated my 29 from our brother and things were definitely different. As a preteen straight through my 20s my life was a roller coaster of great and horrible moments. Overall growing up in the country of North Carolina had its benefits. When was being a part of a big family and another was food. I went from a household of four to one with occasionally four to seven adults and five children. And then one of two girls in the house meant that we helped a lot in the kitchen. Home for me was like boot camp and tough love. So it was easy to make school my escape from reality and enjoy being a kid. Until I got in to trouble. I was so grateful to have had several teachers throughout my school years to show interest in my performance and prepare me for better, even when I just wanted to be a kid having fun with friends. Every one of those teachers left me with sound advice that got me through school and open my eyes to Opportunities I never imagine. They saw so much more in me then I did and consistently stayed on me. For that, I say thank you! By the age of twenty-four my grandmother, my aunt and my uncle all had passed away. Then in August 2008 my dad had passed away too. At this point I felt like I was cursed. wasn’t loved and even alone. And this feeling stay with me for years. With nothing but the memories of lost loved ones I decided to move, Atlanta was my destination. With no plan or idea what I was going to do in a new state I had no knowledge, I only had when thing established and that was a place to live. The first five months were very difficult. By this time my brother Brian had been living in Atlanta maybe 2-3 years and this was my new home. I had no job the first few months despite the early morning commute to Barnes & Noble to fill out applications search for resources. Impatience begin to develop in my brother and tension made its way into our living space. I contemplated on moving back to North Carolina but that became not an option and I continued looking. After some time leaving here in Atlanta I began seeking a church home since I was determined to stay no matter what. And once I did, I was baptized and gave my life to God and soon after did my first fast for some things to turn around for me. After five long trying months and 40 days and nights of fasting and praying to God for several things and one being a job or attending school for something I didn’t mind doing everyday even if I didn’t get paid for it. When I tell you, before its end I came out with more than I expected in a deeper connection spiritually.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has definitely not been easy but it has strengthened me. Building my business and what it stands for has always been a reflection of my heart. Every event or catering I’ve ever done I find and note ways to improve. At the beginning of my career, I was so ready to get out there and do my thang and make money doing it. I would book events big and small not knowing if I could deliver, but I was determined to make a name for myself. Then I learned quickly you have to have a plan and write it out or else you will be frustrated, overwhelmed and reconsidering your career choice. Knowing your goals and focusing on them makes the road alot easier to travel. I’ve embraced the struggle and learning daily how to use it as a tool to advance. Another challenge came when I start school and my first solid job at the same time. And not long after a second job. So while attending culinary school I work two restaurant jobs losing plenty of sleep, entire social life and failed a few classes. But I made it through and Never Felt So Good accomplished in my life. Lastly, this still very much is affecting me now both personal and business the status of my twin brother concerning his mental health. He has been struggling with depression bipolar and schizophrenia for some years now and this has been a constant worry of mine is not knowing how he’s doing. A strong lean towards my faith to keep me strong and keep hope for him. Sometimes when I feel like I’m in the sunken place I have to self motivate myself, encourage myself to grind harder so that I can make a better life for us. That gives me reason to keep moving forward even when I want to give it up.
Please tell us about Chef Crystal’s Personal Chef & Catering.
Chef Crystal’s Personal Chef & Catering vision came based off what I wanted out of life and fueled off of what I had lost in life. It was created to recreate the family in a positive image bonded through food. Yeah, I just got deep! Alot of good did come out growing up in the country, gatherings were regular and food was always present. Got stories about that but I’ll save them for when we meet. Just like family, there is difficulties, love and togetherness. I want Chef Crystal’s Personal Chef and Catering to exemplify love through passion and togetherness through business conquering any difficulties that may arise! We provide full catering and or personal chef services which both can be customized to the client’s needs. I specialize in customer satisfaction, great food, professionalism and learning in areas of growth. I am most proud of the growth I’ve made throughout the years and excited for what’s coming. I’m also the Chef at one of Atlanta’s dopest hookah lounges, Match Lounge located Downtown. I also prepare cultural diverse dishes over at IHG Corporate, located in Dunwoody. I give my clients the floor to create their dining experience with me and if they don’t have a clue I like tobget to know the person(s) and make an idea a reality for them. I can service “pocket-friendly” budgets as well as “I want to ball” budgets. I have plans to be more connected the community through outreach, events and non-profit projects in the making.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I had a great aunt named Lois Gregory, who cooked everywhere. I can recall her working in this cafeteria inside a mall, cooking meals for the church and its functions, family gatherings and other occasions for different people. This was my first unofficial job and I was able to see and work hands-on in the kitchen cooking in bulk. I loved the feeling it gave me and the feedback of doing a good job.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 404.324.6025
- Email: chefcrystalk@gmail.com
- Instagram: @chefck56
- Facebook: Chef Crystal’s Personal Chef & Catering
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