Karter Ware shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Karter, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
Sometimes people don’t realize how much I can do. I don’t just cook, I explore new snacks and restaurants, create my own spice blends, and teach others how to make food too. I want to visit schools and show students, especially boys, that cooking is a life skill, not just something for girls or grown-ups. It’s creative, powerful, and something we all need. I’m looking to work with districts across the DFW and beyond to help kids step into new arenas and make space for themselves, just like I’m doing.
Fun Facts:
• I launched my own spice line, lemonade stand, and fashion tee collection, all before turning 10!
• I’m based in the DFW area but started my journey in Starkville, MS.
• I dream of opening Chef Karter’s Bistro and a food truck that travels to schools and events.
• My motto? “You already know, It Look Good!”
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m Karter Ware, a proud 4th grader and the pint-size powerhouse behind the Chef Karter brand. I’m not just a kid who loves food; I’m a chef, entrepreneur, and creative thinker building a brand that combines flavor, fashion, and fun. I started cooking when I was little, and now I run my own spice line, fresh lemonade stand, and a fashion tee collection that celebrates my love for food and style.
What makes my brand special? It’s all about dreaming big and doing the work. I believe cooking is a life skill for everyone, not just grown-ups or girls, and I want to teach other kids how to make magic in the kitchen. I’m envisioning partnerships with schools and districts across the DFW and beyond to show students that food can be fun, creative, and powerful.
I also have big goals: I want to open Chef Karter’s Bistro, launch a food truck, and possibly collaborate with a company like Nike to create something food-inspired and fresh. Until then, I’m sharing my journey through cooking videos, pop-up events, and tasty creations that make people say, “You already know, It Look Good!”
Let’s cook, learn, and grow together, because being a kid doesn’t mean you can’t build something amazing.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
Definitely my parents. When I was just 1 or 2 years old, I would pretend to cook all the time, taking imaginary orders, mixing up creative dishes, and serving plates of grass greens from the yard like they were gourmet meals. My parents saw something special in that. They didn’t just laugh it off; they saw my love for food and invited me into the real kitchen at age 2. Can you believe I’ve literally been cooking since I was two years old? That’s wild!
Since then, I’ve been growing like a fresh herb in spring. My mom has been everything: my teacher, my sous chef, and even a student with me as we learn new recipes together. She’s helped me turn my passion into a business, a brand, and a dream.
And a special thanks to my dad for always seeing cooking as a skillset, not something limited by what society says boys should or shouldn’t do. He’s never boxed me in. He knows boys cook too, and I know quite a few who are amazing at it! That support means everything.
Shoutout to both my parents for seeing the chef in me before I even knew what a chef was lol.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
I wouldn’t say it held me back, but it’s definitely something I’ve had to learn to face: public speaking. I can talk behind the camera or to the camera all day long. That’s my zone! But when it’s time to speak out loud in front of people, I sometimes get a little shy or nervous. It’s like my voice wants to hide even though my ideas are ready to shine.
But I’ve been practicing and pushing myself to stretch beyond my comfort zone. Whether it’s speaking at events, talking to groups, or sharing my story, I’ve learned that the more I do it, the stronger I get. I remind myself that my voice matters, and that other kids might feel the same way, so I want to show them it’s okay to be nervous and still go for it.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m committed to opening my own restaurant, no matter how long it takes. It’s been my dream since I was little, and I’m working toward it every day. I imagine a place where people can come together to enjoy food that’s full of flavor, love, and creativity. Not just a restaurant, but a whole vibe, with my spices, lemonade, and even fashion inspired by food.
I know it takes time, practice, and patience, but I’m building the skills now. From running my own spice business to creating recipes and hosting pop-ups, I’m learning what it means to be a chef and a leader. One day, Chef Karter’s Bistro will be real, and it’ll be a place where kids feel inspired, families feel welcome, and every bite makes you say, “You already know, It Look Good!”
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m in the kitchen cooking. It’s like stepping into a different zone; everything else fades away, and I just focus on the creation. Whether I’m flipping pancakes, trying out a new recipe, or baking something sweet, it helps me clear my mind and feel calm. Baking is especially therapeutic for me. Measuring, mixing, and watching something rise in the oven feels like magic. It’s quiet, focused, and full of flavor, and that’s my kind of peace.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shopchefkarter.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Chef_Karter
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChefKarter
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChefKarterTV
- Other: https://www.threads.com/@Chef_Karter
https://www.tiktok.com/@TheWareHQ
Image Credits
Santana Ware
