Today we’d like to introduce you to Chef Kayla J. Vaughn.
Hi Chef Kayla J., can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m Chef Kayla J. Vaughn, I was born and raise in Baltimore Maryland. I grew up an only child to an amazing mother, who raised me with the help of my aunt and grandmother.
I grew up watching the food network religiously with my grandmother, which is what truly planted the seed for my love of food and creation. Watching her take down recipes and trying them with her is a memory i will carry with me for the rest of my life.
Fast forward a few years and i am a culinary professional with more than 12 years of experience turning food into both craft and community.
I launched my first food business while still in high school, as a baker. Making everything I could imagine to sell to my classmates. After graduation. i matriculated into catering, then teaching, and went on to work as a private chef in the NFL; before founding Cookmunity.
Along the way, I’ve discovered that my greatest joy comes not only from creating memorable meals, but from creating spaces where people can truly connect.
Every dish I serve and every gathering I host is rooted in my belief that food is a bridge—to love, to belonging, and to one another.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I am blessed to say it has been a pretty smooth ride. I would say the biggest challenge ive had faced in my career, is growing Cookmunity. My community engagement company, there are several moving parts, and im still a one women show. I pray that in the coming years, the company grows to the point of hiring aspiring chef and other personnel to help with the work load. Major goal is to acquire a building to host all of our weekly events. which in this economy is truly a struggle all of its own, Nevertheless the silver lining to it all is that , I have never had the weight of having to “figure out” who or what i wanted to be. I have taken a few breaks, due to the burn out of running things on my own. But i have been working toward the same goal, since high school. Bringing people together to eat, learn, and grow!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
What I do : I am a culinary instructor, a culinary event host, and private chef to some of the players on the Baltimore Ravens!
What do i specialize in: Outside of the scope of performance meal prep for my athletes. I specialize in teaching people how to use what they have around them, an addition to expanding their palettes. Introducing them to new ingredients, techniques and tools. While showing them the best way to prepare their latest ingredient discovery. I do not believe food should be scary or unapproachable. We also host , kitchen bingo , film and fork eating events, cook offs and supper clubs and more to come.
what are you known for: I am known for being the ” bring togetherer ” LOL i am a walking ice breaker, i make my students, and clients feel open enough to share and connect without there being any force.
What are you most proud of: Being able to use my gifts and talents to make a difference in the lives of the people I am entrusted with. I am truly blessed to be able to pour into people, over a hot meal. Food truly is the bridge, but connection is the mission and ministry.
What sets you apart from others: As a devout Christian , my love for Jesus Christ is at the core of everything I do. I am by no means trying to convert ANYONE, I have a deep respect for my students and clients that believe and worship differently. I have prayed with and for students and clients. we have worshipped together and everything in between. But we only get to that level of trust and openness AFTER the food LOL. People begin to talk and open up and i have had the blessing and privilege of loving on them the way Jesus loves on me. Without Judgement, or condemnation.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
For Businesses & Community leader looking to collaborate: Please visit cookmunity.org/partnerships — If you are a business or venue owner or community leader, looking to host a culinary event at your place for your community! Browse our engagement catalogs and see if anything tickles your fancy. Not seeing something you would like to do? Let us know! We love a good first time event! Send us an email of what you are thinking and we will do our best to make it happen!
For Community member looking to support: Please visit Cookmunity.org/home– There you find alllll the events and activities we are hosting! Come out and join the Cookmunity fun! Wall flower or social butterfly, we have an event that will be perfect for you. The page updates on a monthly basis and thing are always going on. Our biggest culinary class series is ” Savor the Season” where I teach you what’s in season, how to use it and, farms to get it from. It is 21+ due to each class having a bottomless cocktail ( yup, thats how we roll LOL )! I can no wait to meet you and welcome you to the Cookmunity!
Pricing:
- ‘Savor The Season” $95 per person listed on the home page
- “The Breakdown” Home cooking class $125 per person ( 2 person minimum ) listed on our cooking class page
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.Cookmunity.org
- Instagram: fedbychefkayla
