Meet Charlie Ray | Chef & Culinary Wildling

We had the good fortune of connecting with Charlie Ray and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Charlie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my own business was driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact on the world in a way that aligns with my expertise and passion. With a background in food science, wild cooking, and a deep connection to the land, I realized that working for someone else, bound by a chain of command, wouldn’t allow me the freedom to fully pursue my vision. Starting my own business gave me the opportunity to take on challenges that matter to me, build a platform to address them, and work toward my goals on my own terms.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a chef, but my identity extends far beyond the kitchen. I am also a business owner, forager, teacher, and activist, channeling my craft into inspiring others to thrive as their true, creative selves. I take pride in creating spaces where people feel free to embrace their individuality, shedding the “hustle” mindset to prioritize their mental, physical, and personal well-being.

This journey has not been easy. I had to carve my own path because no one paved one for me—in fact, I was often denied access to connection and community due to societal norms. As a Black American and Swedish individual, born in Sweden, raised in California with Swedish traditions within my Black family, I navigated layers of complexity. I am light-skinned, with big blonde curls, queer, and grew up in a family where my white mother didn’t know how to care for our hair, and my Black father faced racism in Sweden. My identity was frequently denied—whether it was my race, sexuality, or culture—leaving me feeling isolated in a world determined to fit everyone into boxes.

As I grew older, standing out became my identity, but that too was isolating until I realized there were many others seeking their own unique platforms. Through cooking and a connection to the land, I discovered a way to help others find the support they need to stand tall and thrive.

I want people to know that we *can* rebel. By fostering a connection to the land and cultivating blended, diverse communities, we can establish deep, abundant roots rooted in both biological and cultural diversity. And it all begins on the plate.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
LA has such a unique place in this world as a hub of creative influence, but finding it beyond the Hollywood screen is not easy. I Would start by taking them the spots all LA visitors want to check out that I deem appropriate, and not touristy.

1. Venice Beach boardwalk, ending at the Santa Monica pier. (Eat at In & Out)
2. While driving around, stopping by whatever full block line of street food vendors we find. Knowing we will be WELL FED! The money goes to support the community and celebrate the Latino heritage of southern California.
3. Take them up to Big Bear, and depending on the time of year, go hiking or snowboarding. California has so much nature to offer that, so many, don’t see.
4. The Ecology Center in, San Juan Capistrano to learn about the unique climates of the California coast and how we can work and live symbiotically with the land, while eating from the land and wine tasting from the region.
5. Escondido falls.

Food needs its own list. Street food will be all the time! But some of my favorite restaurants are:

katsu nori – Due to the freshness, authenticity, and the epitome of – do one thing and do it great!
See if Chef Pyet Despain has anything on while my friend is in town.
Panxa Cocina! – Celebration of native and mixed cultures with the seasons and local farmers on the plate.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to give a heartfelt shoutout to Corina Akner of VÄRT: Sustainable Food Lab in Gothenburg, Sweden. I first met Corina while attending her mother’s master course, *Back to the Land 2.0: City-Rural Connections.* During the week-long campout in rural Sweden, Corina was the driving force behind feeding the students, using food waste to create nourishing meals. It was there we discovered we were kindred spirits.

About a year later, Corina and I Created the 1st version of VÄRT. She challenged me to push my creative boundaries beyond anything I imagined, guiding me with her innovative thinking and unwavering support. Together, we carved out a sustainable path, deepening our understanding of sustainable food systems and proving that the limits we think exist can be transcended.

Corina’s teachings continue to influence me in all I do, and whenever possible, I return to Sweden to collaborate with her again. I’m endlessly grateful for the journey we’ve shared and the vision she’s helped me build.

Website: https://chefcharlieray.com

Instagram: @chefcharlieray

Facebook: @chefcharlieray

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/chef-charlie-ray-long-beach

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChefCharlieRay

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@chefcharlieray

Image Credits
Danielle Ollar Photography