Today we’d like to introduce you to Geny Sindjui.
Hi Geny , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hello beautiful people! My name is Geny Sindjui and I am a 23 year old Cameroonian chef and CEO of my first baby known as Chef Gen’s Kitchen . I was born and raised in Cameroon until the age of 9 and migrated to the United States at the age of 10 . From the moment I stepped foot on U. S soil , my life changed forever . From dealing with a huge culture shock , a new language, new family, and a new school , one couldn’t tell me I wasn’t in another universe, but through it all I’m still standing today. My culinary journey began in High school . I am a proud alumni of Charles Herbert flowers high school class of 2020! During my junior year of high school, I was put into a nutrition class by accident and when I got into the class, my amazing mentor Mr. Dominic Mallardi explained to us that it was actually not a nutrition class, but a pro start culinary program. when I first got the news at first, I wanted to go straight to my counselor and change my class however, the more I kept hearing Mr. Mallardi talk about the amazing opportunities that would come with being in this program the more I wanted to join. This program indeed changed my life forever as Within the program I was able to join CCAP ; a foundation that gave culinary students a chance to compete for scholarship money to go to culinary school. I was also able to compete in the Maryland prostsart student invitational (MPSI) competitions and state competitions for culinary arts. overtime cooking became more than just a hobby, it became my therapy. It became the light that I shined through my dark days and it gave me a sense of peace . My family is full of incredible people with incredible professions. Just to name a few ,My amazing dad is a doctor in pharmacy. My favorite auntie is a registered nurse and my favorite cousin is an engineer. One can say that it can feel a little out of place coming from a family full of amazing people with straightforward professions and choose to do something out of the ordinary like becoming a chef , a lot of people didn’t understand my why however I strongly believe that this is what I’m meant to do and this is why God put me on this earth to do. It wasn’t just something that I was good at, but it was something that I know could possibly change my life and those around me Graduating high school and stepping into college was a very different transition for those of us that graduated in 2020. We were hit with COVID and many of us seniors didn’t get to have a proper graduation or even a proper prom . After graduation I decided to go further my education at prince Georges community college and continued on in my culinary journey as a culinary arts major . I graduated with my associates degree 2 years later and went on to pursue my bachelors degree in hospitality management at the university of Maryland college park . During my college days , I would always cook for my classmates and my friends and one day my best friend chichi told me and I quote “ girl abeg please start selling plates and make us money ohhhh, this food is too god not to be shared😂!” That was my ah hah! Moment , I started selling plates on the weekends and the more I did it the more people I got to know more people and my clientele grew amazingly . I started getting into private dining and provided my clients with intimate and luxury restaurant experiences in the comfort of their homes and before I knew it I was actually getting booked to do amazing events ! Fast forward to today , I have grown tremendously in my craft and continue to work towards my dream everyday . My long term goal is to open one of the best Afro fusion food truck in the country and I know that with god by my side anything is possible !
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?
The Road has definitely been far from easy, However through my faith in God And my perseverance, I have been able to handle anything that comes my way with so much grace and that includes the Good, the bad , and the ugly . I believe that obstacles and challenges are just part of life but it’s not about how many times you’ve been knocked down it’s about your ability to pick yourself back up each time no matter how hard it might be . So many people doubted me when I first started my culinary journey , I lost connections and relationships with people I never thought I would but I look back at it now as a blessing in disguise and I used those doubts as my fuel to keep going ! My mommy always told me what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger and one thing about her she’ll tell you a joke but she’ll never tell you a lie ! Shoutout to my mommy Nadine Laure for being my biggest cheerleader , prayer warrior , and my why !
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in catering services , meal preps, and luxurious private dinners, providing my clients with an amazing restaurant experience in the comfort of their homes. My take on Afro fusion cuisine combines my love for African cuisine, American cuisine and French cuisine . Some of my best selling specialties include my world famous Rasta pasta , grilled honey jerk wings , and beef empanadas . I take pride in making all of my dishes from scratch with the most freshest ingredients and unique presentations. I work with any budget big or small to ensure that my clients always leave with an unforgettable experience and lost importantly Great tasting food ! BOOK WITH CHEF GEN’S KITCHEN!
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I wouldn’t necessarily call anything in my life or my Business luck. whether it’s good or bad , it’s God’s Will and so shall it be .
Contact Info:
- Facebook: Geny Sindjui
