Joel Mays III shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Joel , really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
After I wake up always before sunrise I like to pray to get the day started. Then get ready for my workout, whether it’s the gym or a run at the lake. Working out is mandatory at least 6 days a week. After I am done working out I get ready to head to campus and start teaching my Culinary Class.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello everyone! My name is Chef Joel Mays III. I am a Culinary Instructor at Tarrant County College and Private Chef in the DFW area. I am also an avid runner with local run groups, and. Vice Captain for Black Men Run Dallas. What’s unique about me is that I am a marathon runner. I fell in love with running three years ago and have run five marathons now. Number six will be October 26th in Washington DC. I have been working on collaborating with local brands with running, such as salt stick, alter ego running, tailwind, and Brooks running collective. It’s been amazing connecting with great people and look forward to more in the future. April of 2026 I will be running the London Marathon with a local UK charity called Back Care UK.
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 did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child I was always told not to smile, not to laugh and not even cry. Not by my parents, they embraced me and told me to never hold back how I felt. It was the outside world, my peers, teachers and even those who I called friends. I never had the opportunity to just be myself in a lot of situations. I was wearing a vail just to let the world see me for what they wanted. I believed I was less, ugly and not important. Now as a father I see that was wrong, and in my forty years of living I was to nurture my gifts. Smiling each and everyday as I do it, giving myself the water I deserved as a kid. When I learned to water myself I learned to grow.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I almost gave up when I lost my daughter Peyton Leslie Mays. My baby girl was just four months old when she left me and her mother. She is survived by her twin brother Preston Edward Mays, I tell him all the time he carries the heart of two. I gave up on religion, my health, my job and even my family. I didn’t want to be bothered with the world and I lost friends who didn’t know how to handle my grief. When I found Islam, I found happiness. When I found running I found purpose. When I found my peace of mind I knew she was right there beside me each and everyday.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I admire my sister. My big sister has the resilience of ultra being. She is my superhero because she is the glue of the family. Alexis just like me has lost so many people between our father, aunts, uncles and friends along the way of life. She still praises and lives joyfully as a wife and great auntie to my sons. She is always a phone call away and listens to me when I hurt. She is my best friend, therapist and advocate of everything that matters. We are both foodies so we share constant communication of restaurants we would like to try. She is the rock star in my life.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
When I’m gone I want the world to just tell my story the right way. Not for anything bad they might assume but for the work I put in on this earth for my family and myself. I want tears to shed in jubilation to celebrate me, living memory after memory. Conversation after conversation. Taking in all the laughs and the joy I was able to put into their hearts. Tell the world who I really was, a loving human being who would give so much and never ask for anything in return.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @chefsyatfl
