About The Chef

Chef Kiara Jones

Hey everyone! I’m Kiara — a 26-year-old private chef born and raised on the South Side of Chicago. If you told me growing up that I’d one day be a chef, I never would’ve believed it. My journey into the culinary world began in 2019, during one of the hardest years of my life. I was a new single mom, living with my grandparents, just trying to figure out who I was and why I was still here. That’s when I found my purpose — and my peace — in the kitchen.

I started teaching myself how to cook by watching YouTube, reading cookbooks, and studying chefs on Instagram. What started as curiosity turned into a full-blown passion. I went from cooking once a month to cooking every single day. I fell in love with the process — and with the way food allowed me to express myself and care for others.

Over time, I saw myself getting better. I’ve tried a lot of things in life — basketball, tech, music — but nothing ever lit me up the way cooking did. I would literally lose sleep just to cook. My whole life became about food and flavor.

When I first started selling plates, I gave meals away for free just to prove that my food was worth it. Since then, I’ve built something powerful. I’ve worked restaurant lines, survived being disrespected and overlooked, and still came out thriving. I’ve spent my last dollar on business cards, ingredients, and supplies — all to keep this dream alive.

Although I didn’t attend a traditional culinary school, I graduated from a 12-week culinary training program on the West Side of Chicago. That hands-on experience gave me the foundation and confidence to bring my creativity and flavor to every dish I serve.

Today, I’m proud to say I’ve built a brand that’s been featured on The Tamron Hall Show, Daytime Chicago, and other major media platforms. I’ve grown a loyal online community of over 900,000 followers on TikTok and 500,000+ on Instagram, and I’ve had the honor of cooking for NFL players and celebrity clients. I’ve turned my passion into a purpose-driven business, offering luxury private dining, elevated soul food, and drop-off catering experiences.

I recently relocated from Chicago to Columbus, Ohio to expand my business and build in new cities. I believe my story — and my food — represent resilience, creativity, and faith. I’m doing this for my daughter, my younger siblings, and the little girl in me who never gave up.

Cooking made me a better woman. And I know this is just the beginning.