We’re looking forward to introducing you to Derricka Clayton. Check out our conversation below.
Derricka, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
One thing that’s often misunderstood about my business is that it’s not just about preparing great food—it’s about inviting people to experience something new.
So many people are creatures of habit when it comes to what they eat. And while we have no problem honoring comfort zones and familiar favorites, at Chef Derricka Culinary Concepts, we believe food should also push boundaries.
We gently challenge our clients to step outside of what they’re used to—whether that’s trying a new spice, exploring a different culture’s cuisine, or experiencing a creative spin on a classic dish. It’s not about being fancy for the sake of it—it’s about expanding your palate, your curiosity, and your connection to food.
We’re not just here to serve meals—we’re here to serve moments that shift expectations and leave lasting impressions.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Chef Derricka—owner and culinary creative behind Chef Derricka Culinary Concepts, where we bring a modern spin to classic cuisine. My brand is rooted in love, resilience, and innovation. I specialize in luxury catering, private dining, and curated culinary experiences that blend bold flavors, beautiful presentation, and soulful storytelling.
What sets my brand apart is not just the food, but the feeling—every dish is crafted with intention and inspired by my personal journey of overcoming life’s challenges, including single motherhood, loss, and rebuilding from the ground up. I know what it means to pour everything you have into your purpose, and I bring that same energy into every client experience.
Right now, I’m focused on expanding our private chef services, launching intimate culinary events, and continuing to inspire others through food. Whether I’m plating for two or serving 300, I aim to create unforgettable moments—one bite at a time.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
What breaks the bonds between people is often a mix of unspoken hurt, unmet expectations, pride, and the inability—or unwillingness—to truly listen. Misunderstandings turn into assumptions, time creates distance, and fear makes us shut down instead of leaning in. Sometimes life pulls people apart simply because they stop showing up for each other consistently.
But what restores those bonds is vulnerability, grace, and intentional effort. It’s the courage to say, “I was wrong,” or “I miss you,” or even “Help me understand.” It’s choosing to listen without defending, to forgive without conditions, and to rebuild slowly, one honest moment at a time.
Love, in all its forms, is a choice we keep making—and when people choose to show up with humility and heart, restoration becomes possible. Even the most broken bonds can be mended when both sides are willing to do the work.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
Some of the defining wounds of my life have come from moments that tried to break me—divorce, depression, raising a child with autism, navigating instability, and managing life without the special person that I love deeply. I’ve experienced seasons where I had nothing but faith and a dream—sleeping on a friend’s couch, juggling night shifts while attending school, and still showing up every day trying to build something meaningful.
But those wounds, as deep as they were, became the soil where resilience took root.
Healing has looked like choosing myself daily—even when it was hard. It’s looked like therapy, prayer, pouring my pain into purpose, and turning the kitchen into my sanctuary. I found healing in creating experiences that feed not just the body, but the soul. I healed by being honest and vocal about my journey, by allowing myself to feel everything fully, and by showing up for others through my gift of food and service.
Today, my story isn’t one of perfection—it’s one of grace, ambition, and growth. And I carry those lessons into every table I set and every dish I create.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me is real—but it’s not the whole me.
What people see—the chef, the business owner, the creative, the woman who shows up strong and polished—is absolutely me. But it’s the version of me that’s curated with care, shaped by purpose, and presented through a lens of professionalism and poise.
What the public may not always see are the moments behind the scenes—the exhaustion, the faith it takes to keep going, the quiet battles, the tears that come when no one’s watching. But even in those moments, I’m still me. I’ve just learned to hold both: the public-facing strength and the private resilience.
So yes, the public version of me is real. But like most people, there’s a softer, messier, and even more powerful version that lives behind the scenes—and that part is just as important, even if it’s not always on display.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
That’s a beautiful and profound question. When I’m gone, I hope people tell a story that goes something like this:
“She was deeply curious about the world and believed in the power of ideas to change lives. She listened more than she spoke, but when she did speak, her words carried kindness, wisdom, or a spark of inspiration. She didn’t just chase success—she chased meaning, connection, and moments of shared humility. She lifted others up, not because it benefited her, but because she truly believed in people. And even in her struggles, she never lost her sense of curiosity or her belief that love—in all its forms—was the most important thing.”
At the end of the day, I hope my story is less about what I achieved and more about how I made others feel: seen, valued, and a little less alone.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chefderricka.com
- Instagram: chefderricka
- Other: tiktok: @chefderricka
Image Credits
Kory Williams
