Today we’d like to introduce you to Maya Sutherland
Hi Maya, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Chef Maya Sutherland’s passion for cooking began in childhood, leading her to study nutrition and culinary arts.
Chef Maya Sutherland is first self-taught from the young age of 5 or 6 years old. At age 7, she used to wake up super early before her parents and climb up to the top of the cabinets to get into all the kitchen ingredients breaking all the rules and cooking without supervision. She was fascinated with cooking early on and would study the recipes until she had an understanding of what was needed to make the recipe work and then she would use what she learned as a guide and do her own thing making her own masterpiece.With certifications as a Certified Dietary Manager and Food Protection Professional, she specializes in meal planning for health-conscious clients, including those with dietary restrictions. Her background in long-term care inspired her to transition into personal chef services, where she prepares in-home meals, caters special events, and offers cooking classes. Known for her expertise in postpartum and recovery meals, plant-based diets, and allergy-friendly cooking, she helps busy individuals enjoy nutritious, customized meals.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
As a personal chef that launched my business in January 2021 during COVID it definitely had some challenges. Since meal preparation takes place in client’s home, I had clients that were fearful that I could potentially make them sick although I followed all necessary protocols.
Another major challenge was building a steady client base in an uncertain economy. Many people were cutting back on luxury services, and with restaurants reopening, some potential clients opted for dining out instead. Pricing my services appropriately was also a learning curve—I had to balance making my business profitable while staying competitive.
Additionally, last-minute cancellations and scheduling conflicts were difficult to navigate, especially early on when I didn’t have a solid contract in place. Over time, I refined my policies to protect both myself and my clients.
Despite these struggles, word-of-mouth referrals and consistently delivering high-quality meals helped me grow my business. Now, I have a better understanding of my niche, my ideal clients, and how to provide a seamless experience for them.
We’ve been impressed with 5 SPICE CHEF LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I’m a personal chef specializing in creating customized meals for busy professionals and families. My focus is on accommodating dietary challenges, food allergies, and personal preferences while delivering delicious, high-quality meals made fresh in my clients’ homes.
What sets me apart is my ability to craft meals that cater to specific health needs without compromising on taste or variety. Whether it’s managing food allergies, dietary restrictions, or simply ensuring my clients have wholesome, home-cooked meals despite their busy schedules, I take the stress out of mealtime.
I’m most proud of the trust my clients place in me to provide meals that fit their unique needs. My goal is to offer not just convenience, but also peace of mind—knowing that every meal is carefully prepared with their health and lifestyle in mind.
For those looking for a personal chef who can navigate dietary complexities while delivering exceptional flavors, I offer a personalized culinary experience designed to fit your life.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love that our city has a vibrant food scene with diverse culinary influences. There’s always something new to explore, whether it’s a great local farmers’ market, a hidden gem of a restaurant, or unique ingredients that inspire my cooking. The sense of community is also something I appreciate—people here truly value good food and quality service.
What I like least is probably the traffic and how it can sometimes make scheduling a challenge, especially when traveling between clients. But even with that, the opportunities and connections I’ve built here make it all worth it!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.5spicechef.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/5spicechef
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/5spicechef
