We’re looking forward to introducing you to Shayla Thernes. Check out our conversation below.
Shayla, 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: When have you felt most loved—and did you believe you deserved it?
Recently, I’ve been incredibly busy with work, and during this time, my mom has made me feel more loved and supported than ever. She has stepped up in ways I never expected, from watching my animals and printing out menus to cleaning my kitchen and making me smoothies so I have something nourishing on my busiest days.
A couple of weeks ago, I was triple booked with meal prep clients and feeling overwhelmed. In the middle of it all, I accidentally burned both my hands on a hot pot. I still had to clean and reset my kitchen for the next client, but running hot water over the burns was unbearable. I didn’t know how I was going to push through. That’s when my mom showed up and saved the day. She helped me clean and made sure I could keep going.
I truly don’t think I’d be experiencing the success I am right now without her support. I’m beyond grateful. And yes, I’ve realized I do deserve that kind of love, even if it’s sometimes hard to receive it. She reminds me that we don’t have to do everything alone.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Being a private chef allows me to do so many different things, all centered around nourishing food and bringing people together. I genuinely love what I do, and I believe that joy comes through in the meals I create. Cooking with the seasons is one of my greatest pleasures. I still get excited every time I see the first summer peaches or the arrival of fall pomegranates.
My work is also highly personalized. I focus on tailoring each menu to my clients’ individual needs and preferences. Some have specific dietary restrictions, others are working toward fitness goals or certain macros, and sometimes a client simply wants a dish that reminds them of someone they love and miss. That level of care and attention is what sets me apart.
I care immensely that the people I cook for not only enjoy the food, but also feel seen, supported, and nourished in the process.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
Living in San Francisco truly shaped who I am today. The city is filled with culture, art, music, food, and nature, all of my favorite things, and it opened my eyes to so much growth and possibility.
I remember working at one of the top restaurants, Cotogna, where I first learned the importance of eating seasonally. They sourced produce from the best local farms and later began growing their own at Fresh Run Farm. I was constantly being introduced to ingredients I had never even heard of before. Every week, I came to work and discovered something new, and I couldn’t get enough of it.
That experience is when I realized I wanted to work with food for as long as possible. I loved the idea that I could never know everything. There would always be something new to taste, to learn, and to be inspired by. That sense of constant discovery is what keeps me hooked.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
Choosing not to go to culinary school and being mostly self-taught led me to struggle with imposter syndrome. Even though I worked at some incredible restaurants and had a deep respect for the chefs around me, I found it really hard to call myself one.
When I first started my business, I had to work through a lot of fear around not being a “real chef” or not being good enough. It took time to shift that mindset, but over the years, I’ve gained confidence. I know that my food brings people joy, and that’s what matters most. I’ve finally been able to step into who I am, and I’m incredibly proud of that.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
Once again, I have to talk about how wonderful my mom, Paula Intravaia is. She brings an immense light into the world that’s hard to put into words. I’ve truly never met anyone who radiates as much positivity as she does.
She inspires me daily to love what I do and to go after whatever I want in life, no matter how big or small. The passion and warmth she brings to everyone she meets is contagious, and I strive to be more like her every day.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
Lately, I’ve quite literally been dancing in my kitchen, sometimes while doing the dishes, other times taking quick dance breaks to get through long prep nights. This summer has been a turning point for my business, and I’ve never felt more aligned with what I’m doing.
The momentum I’ve experienced recently has been incredibly energizing. I’m booking dream clients, creating menus that inspire me, and feeling a sense of trust in myself that I’ve worked hard to build. It’s the kind of excitement that makes even the busiest days feel meaningful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.homechefshayla.com
- Instagram: @homechefshayla
Image Credits
Josh Rosengreen 1-4 Shayla Thernes (me) Image 5
Plates by Riptide Ceramics
