Meet Derek Upton | Full Service Private Chef
We had the good fortune of connecting with Derek Upton and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Derek, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
To be honest it came to as I realized how limited you are working for someone else. Expelling all your energy for someone else’s dream isn’t for everyone, for me I wanted to build a long-lasting foundation as a chef that would work for me. I spent several years just building on that foundation, creating friendships and a solid network of industry professionals. So, my thought process was to get out from under the corporate thumb, prove to myself that I can do it, that I am skilled enough to make my life happen for me. Aside from proving anything to myself, working for myself opens up my ability to make more money, be in charge of my schedule and in the end be in charge of my life. The power you feel being in charge of your life, your schedule your everything is undeniable. Working for yourself is difficult, however the rewards are well worth the grind.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I did not become a chef by any conventional methods, and I think that’s exactly why I am who I am. Growing up cooking was a huge part of my family especially having an Italian and Portuguese heritage. I was a musician most of my young life, an artist at heart always- struggling with ADHD and all that came with it, so I always saw the world with different filters and perspectives. As I got older (19-20) living on my own and cooking more I realized how much more I loved cooking, especially for others. From there every time I was home from touring, I would cook and throw these HOME FROM TOUR dinners for friends. This ignited a serous passion, at the age of 24 I completed culinary arts certificate program, moved to Arizona and just started working my ass off.
It was not easy at all ha-ha, it was a complete life change, lifestyle change, thought process change but I loved it for some reason still. Creating great food, getting yelled out day in day out to be better was liberating, it’s not for everyone. Being able to take criticism and turn that energy in learning, not failure is key, be coachable, I always believe being a in a room full of people better than me will always be better than in a room full of the same as me. Growing and changing is scary and hard, but how bad do you want it when it comes to your future. Having a never-ending work ethic, I believe is what has led me to where I am today, never settling for no.
My art is more than food, it starts with how I think, how I operate how I move then comes the food- it all comes from a very deep place for me. Many people see it differently, but it’s led to some of my proudest moments like Netflix and Food network, cooking for celebrities like Micheal Rapaport, KELIS, Richard Rawlings and many national media pieces. I believe anyone can make it happen for themselves, if I can anyone can, the hardest part is taking the first step.
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?
Well, some of my favorite place to go or show them would be like one of the speakeasys we have, such as Barkey & Smoke. Of course, we would have to eat a really fancy meal at Mountain Shadows or PYRO. Can’t forget to show them some of Az best local food like The Hippy Bus or Glaai Baan. Depending on what time of year a trip to flagstaff or Sedona is a must because it’s just beautiful. Lastly, we would have to hit the drive in or some of Az many outside festivals.
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?
Quite honestly recognition has to go to Chris Martin of Hempful Farms, also a fellow chef. He has been a huge part of my journey, he has mentored me, educated me, collaborated on dinners and events, got me work and opportunities. He is an amazing human who helps so many and deserves the spotlight.
Secondly my close circle of friends and family (mom, Sis, Evin) that have been nothing but in my corner for all of it since day one, I could not have gotten through the dark times without them, I would not have made it, and I am forever grateful.
Website: https://www.chefderek.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefderekaz
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chefderekupton/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/chefderekaz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chefderekupton
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona 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.
