I recently had the opportunity to exclusively interview Chef Alana to learn five random facts about herself and what inspired her to become a chef. Check out my interview with Chef Alana below:
Loryn: What inspired you to become a chef?
Chef Alana: I’ve heard in the past that your gift picks you, you don’t pick your gift. This is so true. I loved to cook since I was about 7 years old. I looked at cooking as a hobby and a way to bring people together, but I never saw it as my main source of income or a passion at the time. I was inspired to become a chef when no matter what I did I couldn’t walk away from it. I’ve worked for the federal government and the private sector both positions that didn’t include cooking but somehow, I was tapped to cook and that’s what stood out, my food. I was everyone’s go-to for all catering events at work and personally. I’ve cooked for people once and they remember years later. That’s when I realized this was in fact my passion and my gift was bigger than me. Now I use my gift 100 percent and it’s my only source of income. What a 180-degree moment.
Loryn: What has been the biggest accomplishment from creating Klean Plates Foods LLC?
Chef Alana: My biggest accomplishment is realizing my passion is a gift, and betting on myself I knew it was time to put myself on the culinary map and share my gift with the masses.
Loryn: What snack do you recommend people try when they are hungry?
Chef Alana: I recommend people create a graze box, bowl, or plate. Crackers, fruit, cheese, meats, nuts, and veggies are the perfect snack to curve hunger. You get the salty, sweet, creamy, and crunchy textures that’s sure to please all pallets.
Loryn: What lesson have you've learned from being in the food industry?
Chef Alana: I’ve learned how competitive the food industry is, but I’ve also learned there is a lane and audience for every chef or cook so don’t be distracted by competition and continue to blaze your lane.
Loryn: What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?
Chef Alana: People would be surprised to learn that I’m a two-time kidney transplant recipient. I’m a kidney warrior. I battle a chronic disease every day while running a catering business. My passion pushes me forward through my adversities.
Be sure to check out Chef Alana restaurant: https://www.kleanplatefoods.com/ .
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