Meet Ayo Stephens-Coltrain | ChefJoy – the funniest and prettiest chef you’ll meet

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ayo Stephens-Coltrain and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ayo, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I wanted to engage in more intimate dining experiences. I liked interacting with clients and providing them dishes they loves or never had before but they soon became very happy with trying.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am a private chef and I created a culinary company. What sets me apart is that I don’t just focus on private dining, I also provide meal prep, and catering and I do a little bit of manufacturing since I have a fresh pressed juice line “Cassidy Freeway”. I want my company to eventually be know for high quality goods and services. People would ideally be able to find us in store or have products come directly to then. As for services we would be know for providing memorable experiences and just a food service company that is very reliable for them or their business.

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.
Since I’m from Miami I would definitely take my friends to the places with some real elevation since Florida is so flat. Last time some one came to visit I took them to Red Rocks, where we got to see how they have a concert hall out of natural rock formation. Also it’s a spot that looks like pride Rock from Lion King lol. Then we maybe downtown Denver since it’s on the way back. Let them check out the area near 16th Street with all the shopping centers and eateries, also we aren’t to far from the capital building which look amazing. Maybe go down to the Springs to check out Garden of the God’s to hike through those amazing rock formations. Finally if we have time take them up the mountain to Vail to show them it’s beauty and where I got my start in Colorado 6 years ago.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
It starts with my family, my grandmothers inspired me to cook because both could cook and bake pretty well. Then my father gave me the actual skill of cooking teaching me how to make certain dishes and how to season food. My mom would buy me different kitchen equipment if I needed or buy the ingredients needed for recipes I would want to try out. Both parents encouraged me to go to culinary school and encouraged me throughout my career. Then once I started working at Fontainebleu I met my first major mentor Aaron Larkins and have made many more since who have helped guide me in the culinary and business world. Which have all made my journey possible to this point.

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