Life & Work with Ashley Christmas

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Christmas. 

Hi Ashley, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I was born and raised in Baltimore. I went to Baltimore city schools and then graduated from University of Maryland Eastern Shore with a Hotel/Restaurant Management degree with a very strong culinary background. I’ve always loved cooking and loved food. I learned techniques from everyone and everything. I started watching my parents cook and I took mental notes even at a young age. I worked in restaurants, senior living communities, entertainment cruises, etc. it was in 2015 that I decided that I wanted to cook for people on a personal level. An exclusive level. I decided it would be for people who want to enjoy food in a private but fun way. This is when I started my private chef endeavor. To my surprise, at the time there was not a lot of chefs doing this in the Baltimore area, so my services were in high demand. Since 2015 I have published a holiday e-cookbook, created an app for my business, and I’m currently working on my second book titled Charm to Table that will be out in early 2022. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Being an entrepreneur definitely has its struggles. It calls for consistency, patience, and hard work. I would definitely say that the pandemic has been She Cooks’ toughest struggle. I’ve had to limit a lot of my services to drop-offs which takes a lot of the fun out of a private chef experience. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a local private chef and I bring the fun of food to your home. I give you an experience that is exclusive and delicious. The majority of my clients allow me to completely take over their kitchen and sometimes the experience will even shift into a cooking lesson. I specialize in American cuisine that tells a story about where I’m from and what made me the chef I am today. A lot of people know me for my Blueberry Croissant Bread Pudding that is truly addictive. But I believe I am best known for the quality of food I present time and time again. I am most proud of that reputation. With the market being saturated with people giving low-quality service and food it is my pleasure to give what it is I believe is missing to anyone who is ready to eat it. What separates me from others is my willingness to anticipate my client’s needs. My drive to give an exceptional food experience no matter what. All I want is for everyone to eat good, quality, beautiful food. 

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I would definitely give credit to my business manager and big sister Chloe Christmas. She understands my vision and is dedicated to helping me get where I want to be. Couldn’t do anything without her. My parents Sherrie and Ronald Christmas, who have been there every step of the way and have invested and worked events for me. My college mentor and business mentor Dr. Karl Binns Sr who passed away earlier this year. His guidance has been unmatched and I hope I’m making him proud. Lastly, I would give credit to my clients and anyone that has supported my business. You have made me and my business who and what they are and I appreciate every one of them. 

Contact Info:

• Email: shecooksforyou@gmail.com
• Website: www.shecooksforyou.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/she_cooks_?utm_medium=copy_link