Today we’d like to introduce you to Kisha Washington.
Hi Kisha, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My story is not the norm, but I think all the twist and turns is what makes me who I am today. Ever since I was young, I loved cooking and food. My family would make weekend meals for the family, Thanksgiving was always huge, so cooking has always been there. I was working in healthcare for a while and decided one day, I want a change in career. I decided to go to culinary school to get a BA in Advanced Culinary Arts and Hospitality Business Management. I quickly decided after working through the program that resturant life wasn’t for me, so I opened my own personal/private chef business in 2014 called Thekeyingredient, LLC. Its an upscale private dining experience with multicourses, wine pairings, and more.
Opening my business was super hard, especially since I was working full-time in the beginning. It wasn’t until 2019 I became a full-time entrepreneur. But little did I know Covid was arouind the corner, and I had to pivot. Since then I have become a competition chef, copeting in numerous competitions. I am a James Beard Foundation Alum of the Legacy Program 2023-2024 as an Advisor. I’m also a Washington DC chapter member of Les Dames d’Escoffier. I also judge and mentor with the National Resturant Association and Prostart.
I opened a non-profit organization called Cookzcreed Foundation, helping chefs and hospitality professionals with mental health, substance abuse, and well-being resources. I be came a self-published author in 2024 of a book called Cultivating Healthy Minds: A Guide to Mental Health Resources Volume 1.
Its definitely been a journey, but I belive the story is just getting good.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been smooth. I have had to pivot my business a few times, especially through Covid. I lost my partner in 2020 to suicide which was very difficult. The non-profit having to be build connections in the beginning. Writing the book took months with research, finding the right resources, having to reach out to businesses, schools, etc.
Looking back, I’m glad it wasn’t smooth. You learn, grow, make mistakes and pick it back up. Its all lessons that help you move forward.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I like to call myself a creative because thats what I do. I create experiences that bring about stories, memories, feelings, nostalgia. Putting together menus and experiences for guest in their homes is something I love to do. It could be as simple as taking an ingredient and transforming it to something savory, sweet, umami. Or a season that wants to have their ingredients shine simply. Or the wine that pairs well with seafood, or a region.
I’m know for my way to put ingredients together to help them shine, lavish desserts, and my plating. I think about food differently. I want to know all the ways I can cook it, pair it, make it simple, or complex, its the small details I love about food. And when I can tell a story using those items, it makes the experience that much better.
I believe I’m most proud of my accomplishments even though I rarely mention them. Also I’m proud of all the things in the background no one sees. For example, I volunteer with the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention with the Virginia Chapter. I’m also a Crisis Text line level 5 Counselor , or that I’m a Suicide Bereavement Facilitator.
I think this is what sets me apart. There are a lot of things I have in my back pocket that a lot of people don’t see. Not that I don’t mind sharing, but these are things just for me.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
The people that deserve the credit that has been there for me is my Mom. She is amazing with keeping me straight, being my biggest cheerleader, and picking me up and dusting me off in my losts. She is why I believe I have accomplished so much. She has supported me through it all. Also my partner, he is amazing. Always asking questions, how can he help and support, and cheering me on. Then its my sister and friends. They support me through it, cheer for me, taste test, all of it. The support is great. Sometimes thats all you need to keep pushing forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thekeyingredientllc.com
- Instagram: @chefkish_dyan
- Other: Substack: @notesfromthepass
