Meet Jenn Beach | Personal Chef

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

Hi Jenn, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
This was a very difficult lesson for me to learn because I had always been programmed to believe that giving up equates to failure. But it’s actually a very powerful thing to be able to recognize when something is not aligning with you anymore- or just isn’t working. You may feel compelled to keep pushing forward because you’ve seen similar efforts work out for other people- so logically if you follow the same steps you’ll end up where they are. But that isn’t how it works. No matter what, the work is going to be hard at times. But when you believe in your message, or concept, or contribution to the world it will never all be for nothing. So I think the real question people need to ask themselves when they’ve hit a wall is, “is this working for ME?” Before starting this business- I had a meal deliver business that was great in theory- but my heart was not in it. I hated cooking large batch food items. I hated delivering the food myself- I really wasn’t enjoying any part of the process but I kept sticking it out because “it worked” and it’s “what people wanted.” The more customers I got, the more panicked I became that I would feel obligated to make that business my life’s work. And it just was not it. And I’m glad that I saw that because I started to make the changes necessary to create the environment I would need to launch a business that I truly believed in.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business is primarily plant-based which is uncommon in private cheffing/ catering. And it is also very multi-faceted- in addition to cooking for dinner parties and catered events, I also teach cooking classes and workshops. I love those kinds of events because you really get to engage with the guests and involve them in the process of their meals- which is also uncommon in my line of work. I also offer retreat/camping catering services. For one of my first big events after moving out to AZ I cooked for a camp retreat- everything was completely cooked over a campfire and I was sleeping in a tent. So that’s something that I do now too!

I am still establishing my concept as I go along- I also like to teach workshops about mindful eating, sustainable eating habits, and campfire cooking- and soon I will be launching a product that is designed specifically for hikers and active Arizonians! I’m excited to see how this business continues to evolve and grow.

Getting here was not easy. I had to make some big changes to set myself up and create the business I want without cutting corners.
For me that meant selling 90% of my belongings and my house. That was really hard- because I grew up there and had spent the last few years renovating it so I was really attached. I’m a very sentimental person so that was the biggest sacrifice I have ever made in my life. But then I finally had the funding to start up my business the right way. And I’m still in that process but I’m already in awe of the turnaround.

My biggest challenge I would say it keeping myself motivated and disciplined to keep doing the kind of work I don’t want to do (posting on social media is like biochem to me) so that I have the opportunities to keep doing the work that I do want to do. Having a good network of motivated colleagues and friends definitely helps with that- and so does my never ending stream of ideas that need funding.

The reason why I am still grinding and still chasing after my own dream is because I refuse to give up on myself or my vision. Even in the times when I had to cut back and cut down and lower the bar, it’s because it’s what I had to give myself to get to the next level. Learning to keep myself grounded, instead of running into the ground has been a real game changer; it’s all mental practice.

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?
I could probably spend months taking a food tour around the Phoenix area: Farm & Craft, Nami, Green New American, Pomegranate Cafe, SumoMaya, Joyride, The Coronado, Cafe Fame, The Nile, Sweet Dees, Earth, Giving Tree Cafe, Dilla Libre… those are all must visits.

I don’t drink- but all of my friends do. So for me- we would check out Lacuna Kava bar for some heady drinks and chill vibes. Ghost Donkey is right down the road so we could head there after. I love the simulation at Platform 18 at Century Grand, the view and creative drinks at Little Rituals, Undertow, Hulas, Champagne Lanes. I like places with an interesting concept and feel a little fancy. But I also love a good sports bar like Rock Bar, or a honkey tonk like Denim & Diamonds.

There are so many cool art exhibits to check out and areas to hike! Since it’s summer right now the only thing to really do outside is pick a body of water to go paddle boarding and swimming in- which is how I’d want to spend everyday anyway!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to shout out to my creative team for inspiring me to do better and to take my business to the next level! Ever since moving to Phoenix, I have been so blessed to connect with so many (mostly female) talented entrepreneurs. I mostly work by myself as a personal chef- so connecting and collaborating with other creatives has been so inspiring and helped me to gain the confidence that I need to keep going. Also my sister Tara for being there when times got rough. She has always believed in me and been my cheerleader and that kind of support has been essential.

Website: whatscookinbeach.com

Instagram: @whatscookinbeach

Image Credits
Taylor Cohen @tcohphotos