Kisha Washington is the Executive Chef and Owner of a personal/ private chef business called TheKeyIngredient In LLC. In January 2024, she hit a major milestone when she reached ten years in business. They provide upscale private dining, meal planning, lavish desserts, charcuterie, and consulting. Kisha also founded a non-profit organization called Cookzcreed Foundation, which helps chefs and hospitality individuals get mental health and substance abuse resources, mentorship, and much more. “I’m super excited about that because we are finishing a huge project that will be ready this month.”
Extracurriculars
This month, I will be publishing my first book. I’m super excited and nervous. The book is Cultivating Healthy Minds, a Guide to Mental Health Resources Volume 1 for Chefs and Hospitality Individuals. The guide will come in different formats. We have structured the book to help support anyone in those industries by providing resources. The book provides resources for workers in all 50 states, including websites, apps, crisis lines, workplace environment tips, self-care care techniques, and more. The book features data on hospitality workers, research from a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse practitioner, and other organizations working in their respective communities. And, of course, we have stories from chefs about how they are working to change kitchen culture. This book will have it all. But we are also working on Volume 2 as well. I’ve been working on this project for so long that it feels strange almost to be finished. I’m nervous because I’ve never done something like this before. In the book, I talk about what happens in the kitchen that no one sees. I wrote this for those who need help and support. This book is something I wish I had when I was starting out as a young cook or chef on this journey. So make sure you stay tuned.
Why we love Kisha
We love seeing Kisha around Cowork Frederick. Especially when she comes in to cook for special occasions. She makes really delicious and healthy meals! As I’ve gotten to know Kisha better, I’m so impressed by her work with her nonprofit organization (Cookzcreed). She has such a big heart for helping folks in the restaurant and hospitality industry. Many people aren’t aware of how physically and emotionally challenging this type of work is. It’s a high-stress environment that requires a lot of hard physical labor. It’s a relief to know that people like Kisha are out there advocating for chefs and restaurant workers around the country.
Q&A with Kisha Washington
How did you get into private chef work?
I opened my private chef business because I knew restaurant life wasn’t for me; I wanted to do my own. The non-profit came about after I lost someone close to me, who was a chef with a severe mental illness. Sometimes, the best and most important things come from your grief and your willingness to regain your strength. It’s been a journey.
Any tips for others who want to do similar work?
For those in the culinary industry or hospitality industry, it’s tough. The long hours, the stress, the pressure can take a toll on your body and mental health.
Tip 1: Take Care Of Yourself First. The job, the work will be there. To be your best self, you have to take care of mind and body.
Tip 2. Stay curious and creative. The industry is always changing. Ask questions, read, practice, and try new things.
In non-profit work:
Tip 1. Be patient. It takes time to build an organization, a personal brand, and a story. Get clear on what that story is. Be authentic in it.
Tip 2. Ask for help and support. You can’t do it alone. Find like-minded people who can support the causes with you.
Which of the guiding values defined by Cowork Frederick members speaks to you?
Generosity and Authenticity. Helping others and giving back is important. I always call it feeding your soul. It’s an act that helps the other person and is rewarding. And when you can show up authentically in that, it feels worth it.
How do you define success?
Everyone views success differently. It’s knowing I have accomplished what I set out to do. If I can achieve that goal, help one person, or support someone, that’s a success.
Who/What inspires you and keeps you going?
What inspires me to keep going is staying curious. I want to know more about myself, others, and the work I do. I want to step outside my comfort zone. I know that’s where I thrive.
Why Cowork Frederick?
I chose Cowork Frederick because of the community you feel. I’m really an introvert, and sometimes it’s hard to step out of that, but Cowork Frederick gives you that space to interact with others. Cowork Frederick gives you the tools to talk about your business and get supported by others.
For those who want to learn more, how can you be reached?
Email:
- cookzcreedfoundation@gmail.com
- Keyingredientllc@gmail.com
Website:
Social Media:
- @cookzcreedfoundation (Instagram)
- @chefkish_dyan (Instagram)
- @dyanmaine (TickTok)
About the author:
Bethany Good is the founder of Good Writing Co., which provides professional writing, developmental book editing, book coaching, and ghostwriting services. Her writing has appeared in Innovation and Tech Today, Columbia Inspired Magazine, and Frederick Lifestyle Magazine (among others). Bethany works with authors to help guide them through the book-writing process so that they can finally finish their memoirs or nonfiction books. Specializing in eldercare, dementia, and Alzheimer’s, she also works with home health businesses to provide content and resources for their patients and families. Bethany is also a dedicated wife and mother to two active kids. In her limited time, she enjoys gardening, long nature walks, reading, cooking, and snuggling with her Boston Terrier, Scout.