Today we’d like to introduce you to Jashon Simmons.
Hi Jashon, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina, and my love for food started in my mom’s kitchen. Watching her cook and being a part of that process planted the seed for my passion. Over time, cooking became more than just making meals—it became my way of telling stories and connecting with people.
I’m a self-taught chef, influenced by Gullah culture, Southern roots, and the flavors I’ve explored through American and Italian cuisine. I built my career step by step, working under mentors like my Chef Manager and Culinary Director, who pushed me to grow not just in skill but also in mindset.
Eventually, I launched my own personal chef and catering services, blending creativity with tradition. Today, I get to create experiences—whether it’s intimate dinners, catering events, or even developing my own restaurant concept. My journey has been about staying true to where I come from while building something that inspires and connects with others.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Finding my first few clients took a lot of time, patience, and persistence. It felt like playing the waiting game—putting myself out there, sharing what I had to offer, and hoping someone would take that first chance on me. Along the way, I also had to learn how to balance the creative side of cooking with the business side—marketing myself, managing costs, and building trust with people who didn’t know me yet. Those early challenges taught me resilience and made me appreciate every step forward, no matter how small.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m the chef and founder behind my own personal chef and catering services based in Charleston, SC. My business is all about creating experiences through food—whether that’s an intimate private dinner, a curated brunch, or full-scale catering for events.
I specialize in Southern-inspired cuisine with strong influences from Gullah culture, but I also love blending in flavors from American and Italian cooking. What sets me apart is that I don’t just cook—I tell stories through food. Every dish is crafted with intention, drawing from my roots, my creativity, and the connection I want my guests to feel when they sit down to eat.
One of the experiences I’ve introduced is Chef’s Plates—a rotating chef-curated dish that allows people to experience restaurant-quality meals with a personal touch. It’s not just a plate of food—it’s the plate, crafted to highlight flavor, creativity, and the story behind it. This offering has been a way for me to connect with people who may not be booking full catering but still want that unique chef-driven experience.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of staying authentic. I’ve built my business on the values of quality, hospitality, and storytelling. My goal is for people to walk away not just remembering the food, but remembering the feeling of being cared for and celebrated.
At the end of the day, my brand is about more than a meal—it’s about creating moments and experiences that people carry with them long after the table is cleared.
What’s next?
Looking ahead, my main focus is on growing my business and expanding the ways I can share my food with people. That means continuing to build my catering services, elevating the Chef’s Plates experience, and reaching more clients who want something personal and memorable.
Long term, I’m looking forward to opening my own restaurant, which has been a dream of mine for years. It will be a space where I can showcase my style of cooking—rooted in Southern and Gullah traditions, but also influenced by American and Italian flavors—in a refined, modern way.
I’m also excited about continuing to create new experiences around food that bring people together, whether that’s through intimate dinners, larger events, or new concepts I develop along the way. Growth for me isn’t just about scale—it’s about creating a lasting impact and building something that represents who I am as a chef and storyteller.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.elevatedbychefshon.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefshonofficial
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093255655231
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jashon-simmons-1aa872375?
- Other: https://linktr.ee/chefshonofficial
