Meet Rachel Udeh-jackson | Professional Chef & Singer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rachel Udeh-jackson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rachel, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I don’t believe in taking random risks. I believe in taking calculated risks instead. I’ve always looked at my career as a metaphorical empire, and no empire is built in one day. Empires are built through strategic planning, stacks of capital, and intentional designing methods; and it all starts with a clear vision.

I’m a prayerful woman. So I can discern when a certain city, town, or state has provided me all that it can (in terms of job opportunities, educational opportunities, publicity opportunities, networking opportunities, etc.). So after every possible opportunity in that territory has been exhausted, I start crafting a plan to level up to a better situation.

This is why I strategically moved from my hometown in Louisiana to Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Then I moved from Baton Rouge, Louisiana to Upstate New York. Then I received the greatest opportunity to move from Upstate New York to New York City. However, with every move I had opportunities lined up for me in advance; and I secured the financial backing to maintain the assets that I would gain in the process.

What should our readers know about your business?
I’ve been a professional chef and a professional singer for the past 10 years. Throughout my journey of cooking and singing for others; I started my first business called Hope’s Kitchen Eateries in 2017. HKE operates in the “white space” of the supply and demand chain before it’s practices become mainstream. For instance HKE was doing gourmet vegan food, international fusion food, and micro-restaurant ownership before it became the norm.

However, throughout my journey of establishing and scaling HKE from a single-member LLC to a five-figure S-Corp with multiple independent contractors; I’ve had absolutely no support from family and friends. In fact, my family worked to sabotage my elevation into greater levels of success. They saw it as some sort of betrayal.

This put me at a disadvantage socially because I had to rely heavily on my networking skills and cash reserves more than someone with family support. This combination of unnecessary persecution made me vulnerable to bad friends and bad romantic relationships.

For instance, after college I ended up in a toxic relationship with someone who was doing shady things for money and pleasure. I had no idea he was living a double life around me until 4 years in. So once I accepted how severely trapped I was; HKE paved the way for me to negotiate opportunities and escape to New York City.

I learned the power of biblical manifestation, the importance of healing from relationship trauma, and the importance of proper networking skills during that time; and I even wrote a book about it. It’s called “Chef Diaries: Inspirational Stories & Recipes For Foodies, Homecooks, and Aspiring Chefs”.

I wrote that book, among other publications including my book “The Dissertation” and my debut EP “The Singin Chef” to inspire women like me who may have disadvantages beyond our control. I want them to understand the depth and the weight of the power that they have in the creative marketplace.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
To start I’d highly recommend a tasty French-inspired breakfast at the Blue Box Cafe by Chef Daniel Boulud at Tiffany & Co. in The Fashion District. Then after hopping on the subway, I’d suggest doing a little shopping on 125th Street in West Harlem. While in Harlem, I’d recommend stopping by my favorite soul food restaurant called The Red Rooster by Chef Marcus Samuelson. When the night falls, I’d recommend a night of dancing at Sounds of Brazil near Houston Street or a chill night of vibes at The Belfry in the East Village.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d love to shoutout this amazing book called “Talk Triggers” by Jay Baer! This book really taught me the power of public relations (in comparison to traditional advertising) and the wisdom to wield it effectively for altruistic entrepreneurship.

Website: https://www.racheludehjackson.co/

Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/hope-s-kitchen-eateries-new-york

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@racheludehjackson?si=VOn5PgXXw9iRaj8j