We’re looking forward to introducing you to Kristi Jones. Check out our conversation below.
Kristi, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A Normal day for me is waking up at 3:00am to work out at the gym for 2 hours. I am an early riser. I then have my daily devotion of prayer and reading my bible. Afterwards I get ready to start my day. I then make it to the office to meet my employees for the day to day of emails, phone calls, and escalations. After work, I would make it home and prepare for the evening to cook, and bake which helped me to relax and calm my evening.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Kristi Jones, but many know me as Chef K’Lynn. I’m a licensed and certified Chef, proudly graduated from Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts with specializations in both Culinary Arts and Pastry. In addition to my culinary career, I’m the author of four books (with a fifth on the way), a mentor and program leader, and an inspiring public speaker.
My business, Mealz in Heelz, brings people together through food and unforgettable experiences. I host events, private parties, and my signature experience—Cooking and Cocktails. During Cooking and Cocktails, guests select their meal, cook alongside me for the evening, and enjoy a night of delicious food, fun, and flavorful cocktails or mocktails with a professional bartender. Whether it’s a group of singles, couples, or friends just looking for a unique night in, I make sure every event is filled with energy and enjoyment.
I also offer cooking classes for all ages and provide personal chef services—bringing the restaurant experience straight to your home.
Currently, I’m continuing my education to become a Nutritionist and Health Coach, which will allow me to help others make informed food choices that support long-term health and wellness.
Exciting things are on the horizon, including my upcoming digital cookbook, “Recipe Me: Where Life is the Ingredients and You are the Recipe,” and a series of Theme Party Pop-Ups across the DFW metroplex.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
For 32 years, I thrived as a corporate professional, building a successful leadership career across major companies. I’ve served in roles such as Director, Operations Leader, and Manager, leading teams, driving results, and mentoring others along the way.
After a series of unexpected turns — including my fifth layoff in five years — I decided it was time to close the chapter on corporate America and fully embrace my entrepreneurial and nonprofit journey.
Now, I’m channeling over three decades of experience into something new: consulting and mentoring others who are navigating their own career paths in the business world. Training and teaching have always been at the heart of what I do, and I’m especially passionate about helping the next generation of leaders grow, develop, and step confidently into their potential.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
Believe or not, I had a deep pain of self esteem issues. I didn’t have low self esteem, I would diminish or hide the fullness of who I was because of how people responded to me. I am multi-faceted in so many different things. I have multiple skills and talents and because of that people around me who were insecure would make me feel like I was too much or an overachiever. So, I began to dummy myself down within the crowd. I wouldn’t tell people or express my accomplishments. This went on for many years, and because of it I lost myself. The real Kristi could never show up. People only received partially, all that I was but there was a defining moment that I had in prayer. We were created to posses greatness. Greatness can’t hide. Others are inspired by it. So if you have greatness in you, let it shine. Let it come forth. Some will not appreciate it but others will, grow and be motivated from what they see in you.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say that integrity and honesty really matters the most to me. I have always strived the most to maintain honesty and integrity, even if it costs me. I was always taught by my grandfather that you only have two things in this world, when everything else fades away, “Your word, and Your name”. People will always remember you by these two things. Even when you die, your name will be placed on your tombstone, and people will remember how you made them feel and who you were if you carried a good name. I was always taught to guard your name and keep your word. It will carry your further than anything else ever could.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
My relationship with God.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: MealzinHeelz
