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

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
(Chef Suela) I’ve always been a “cook”, with a reputation in my cirlce for preparing amazing dishes. I spent 20 years in the medical field, working in administration and discharge planning in hospitals and clinics. I finished my degree in Human Services in 2018 in order to advance my career in the medical field, but something was calling to me….whispering in my ear. One day, I told Chef G that I wanted to take culinary classes and formalize my techiniques and skills. I really wanted to learn more baking techiniques and how to make my desserts from scratch. I fell in love with being a Chef, and began my business selling my homemade bakery products (sweet potato pies, peach cobblers, etc..). Nothing came easy, and I learned very early that I had to understand the business side of the culinary world. It was very challenging to learn cash flow, marketing, brand image and all the details an entreprenuer is responisble for to be successful. Our brand is built on love, flavor and community. We believe that with eveything going on in the world, with all of the strife and issues, our food filled with our love can make a difference.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My family is from Michigan, so initially we would have to visit family, hit the beach, Hollywood sign and all of the “standard” attractions in L.A. Once that is out of the way, the fun can really begin! Lunch on Olvera street to soak up the culture and amazing food. We would listen to the poets at Liemert Park, drive PCH for 20 miles to a secluded picnic spot in Oxnard… Karaoke night at the “Brass Monkey” in Koreatown, and definitely take them to a Dodger game. There is so much to do, it is special to take your family/friends to unique and interesting things to do in LA!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
We shout out our community and our ancestors for our success. Our parents, grandparents and godparents taught us to cook, and gave us an opportunity to blend our cultures to bring our flavors to the public! Soul Food with a Latin Kiss!

Website: www.suelasoulfood.com

Instagram: @suelasoulfood007

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/suela-s-soul-food

Twitter: @chefsuela

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChefSuela

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/suelas-soul-food-north-hollywood

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.