Meet Chef Vincent Henderson : Owner of Phazed Phocus LLC

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

Hi Chef Vincent, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
The habits that are fueling my success are, character, confidence, and consistency. I feel as those three go hand and hand, to me it means that my character has to have a positive image and spirit. My confidence needs to fit the build because building a brand is a tough thing to do, but having a passion for what you do is all worth it. And consistency breeds success, you have to have the ability to adapt to any change with in the industry. Things are are different and trends are always changing but if you can keep up with and stay ahead it’s not hard to be consistent at your craft, you have to love what you do! In the end it’ll all make sense.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Outside of my entrepreneurial endeavors, I am currently a head chef for Harding’s a Grocery chain here in Kalamazoo. I also run a catering, meal prep, and private chef experience company, termed Phazed Phocus. The road traveled was not easy at all I battled a ton of adversity and still to this day, I dig deep and make it happen no matter the situation. Things that set me apart from others are, the willingness to become outgoing, the passion I have for the culinary industry and respect are non other. I believe I can do anything, because anything is possible right, have to love that KG reference. I got to where I am today but hard work, determination and pure grit! I had late nights and a ton of early mornings, a lot of doubles, 16 hour shifts 3 days straight, I work on a different terrestrial plane I like to think. I am proud of how far I have come and the things I have accomplished as far as, graduating from a nationally ranked college and having 3 degrees and I plan on finishing my 4th relatively soon. I have assisted in opening several restaurants and I have since then become a restaurant consultant and business liaison for a few people. Lessons that I have learned on the way are, you have to have thick skin, don’t trust everyone, and be optimistic. I would like the world to know that it’s not a phase it’s a lifestyle! That means when we go through things in life they phases, like a roller coaster with peaks and valleys, so with that being said it takes around 21 days to break or form habits and it takes about 30-60 days to form a new lifestyle, you can be complacent and form the habit or you can go all in and make a change that will impact not only your life but the life’s of others!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m a sports fanatic, so we would definitely have to catch any sporting event that’s going on. I lived in California for a few years and had friends come visit, we hung out at the pacific beach, attend a music festival, go to a concert. In Michigan we have to go to Gauchos a Brazilian steak house, hit comerica park, Ford field, and little Caesar’s arena. Bucharest grill for a shawarma or 6 seriously they’re that good, and of course Coney Island a Detroit staple, of course there are a ton of local spots located downtown Detroit like the green bar, and a few more secret spots.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There’s a coalition but the number one person is my late mother, she was/still is my number one supporter. The people who know me as Vino, which became a mantra or alter ego about 8 years ago have been some of my biggest supporters from my people at WMU, and back in Detroit and Ypsi/Ann Arbor

Website: www.phazedphocusmp@gmail.com

Instagram: Iamchefvino and phazedphocus.mp

Facebook: Phazedphocus.mp

Image Credits
Shotson KardiakFilms Itsledbetter