Today we’d like to introduce you to Ula Okrasa.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I began cooking at a young age, growing up in a large family where cooking became both a responsibility and a passion. Whenever my mother was unable to prepare meals for our family, I stepped in, and over the years, what started as a necessity developed into a genuine love for cooking.
I later attended culinary school here in the United States and gained professional experience working in several restaurants. However, as a single parent, I realized that the demanding restaurant lifestyle did not provide the flexibility that best suited my family’s needs.
I gradually transitioned into working as a personal chef, allowing me to continue doing what I love while creating a schedule that provides greater flexibility. Today, being a personal chef is my full-time career, and I’m grateful to have built a profession around something that has been a passion of mine since childhood.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Getting to where I am today has certainly not been easy. Working as a personal chef comes with its own unique challenges, and you never quite know what type of clients or opportunities each season may bring. There can be periods when business is very slow, which can be financially and emotionally stressful, while the holiday season tends to be exceptionally busy and often requires sacrificing valuable time with family and friends.
Like any industry, this career comes with both rewards and challenges. Ultimately, you have to genuinely love what you do to be willing to make the sacrifices that come with it. For me, the passion I have for cooking and serving others makes those challenges worthwhile.
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?
At the heart of what I do is making my clients’ dinner time easier, more enjoyable, and stress-free. I provide weekly meal preparation so that after a long day at work, my clients can come home to delicious, thoughtfully prepared meals that are ready to simply reheat and enjoy. My goal is to take one more thing off their plate—literally!
In addition to weekly meal prep, I also cater intimate dinner parties as well as larger gatherings, creating a personalized experience that allows my clients to relax and enjoy their time with family and friends.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the loyalty of my clients. Many continue to come back to me and recommend my services to their friends and family. I truly believe that word of mouth is powerful, and those referrals are one of the greatest compliments I can receive.
I also believe that my positivity, flexibility, and ability to remain calm under pressure set me apart. Even on the most stressful days, I make a conscious effort to show up with a positive attitude and focus on creating a relaxed, enjoyable experience. My clients have enough to think about—I want to take the stress off their shoulders so they can be fully present and enjoy their food, their guests, and their time together.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I haven’t taken many major risks in my career—at least, not yet! But am I open to taking one? Absolutely. I believe that growth often comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone, and I’d love to challenge myself in new ways as my career continues to evolve.
What that next big step might look like, I’m not entirely sure yet. Perhaps it will be a new business venture, a unique culinary opportunity, or something completely unexpected. For now, I’m enjoying the journey and staying open to whatever comes next. Time will tell!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Flavorsbyula
