Today we’d like to introduce you to Julia Shelley.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Julia. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I moved to California from France in 2006, first in San Francisco for ten years and now San Diego for almost four. I came to learn English for a few months and 13 years later I am still here! I fell totally in love with the city, the people, and the freedom to express yourself and what you are. I started working in a very cute French bistro as a server but was spending most of the time in the kitchen asking questions and helping the chef/owner so he then offered me a job in the back.
I’ve always been passionate about cooking. It comes from my family, my Mom and dad, but especially my grandma who was an exceptionally talented cook. She was the chef at my parents’ little Bouchon restaurant in Lyon. She was and still is my inspiration, I couldn’t wait to finish school and meet her in the kitchen!
Little Julia was always curious, helping make desserts and all types of dishes… I still call my grandma very often to ask her for some recipes. I went to culinary school in Lyon, France as I grew up, but didn’t finish. Instead, I started working in the restaurant industry. I was lucky to meet incredible chefs who trusted me and gave me special opportunities. I was able to work as a sous chef and then as a chef in Lyon, Paris, and then San Francisco before becoming my boss here in beautiful San Diego.
As a chef, the best way to learn is to travel, explore, be curious, and dine out. I also love the farmers’ markets. I think loving to please everyone around you is the secret. I’ve always loved to host parties, cook for 30 people for Christmas, for a friend’s birthday, or any sort of gathering. I’m usually making crepes by the pool for all my neighbors… It has never felt like work to me, even when I was working in restaurants.
When I moved to San Diego I wondered about what I wanted to do? What makes me happy? What will make me grow more and be independent? How could I share my passion for cooking, make people travel with my food and keep family energy around all this…? Then my business idea came alive! It took me two weeks to figure everything out, go do all the paperwork and get my first clients!
They were a family of seven visiting San Diego for five days. They’d rented a giant house on the beach and needed a personal chef. They were so pleased with my food, it was truly a dream come true, and I knew I had to continue down this path. I will never forget them. Each person I meet through my job gives me the energy to keep going and the motivation to always get better.
I now have many very amazing and faithful clients, I’m welcomed into beautiful homes, sometimes even through Airbnb and I’m able to work somewhere new every day in San Diego, Temecula, Orange County, and all around…
I’m never bored. Every party is different, every day is a new kitchen, a new family, a bachelorette party, a Christmas dinner, à corporate event… I get to create a new menu and meet all kinds of people and personalities. I love my job very, very much and consider myself very lucky to be able to work and live from my passion.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I think life is not always a smooth road, it’s full of challenge for all of us! I had, of course, some moment of doubts, some months slower than others at the beginning when you have no other income and don’t know if you are going to be able to pay your rent. I had to not give up and I had to believe in my business.
It has always been important for me to know that people can count on me. I have planned their parties months, sometimes including having family or friends flying over for their special event.
It was not a smooth road, but loving what I do for sure always gets me back on my feet and helps me get stronger! This is what life is about-picking yourself up, even against the odds, and carrying on with a feeling of gratitude and all the energy I have always had.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I am a personal chef specializing in French food but also open to any cooking challenges. I plan menus with my clients, shop and bring a unique culinary experience in the comfort of their own homes. I can adapt to every party size, every kitchen, and every request. I love to ask my clients what they like, what they don’t. I also love to try to understand their needs, their food preferences and restrictions.
I have many vegan, vegetarian, Kosher, halal clients….. I will transform my recipes, and create new ones to adapt to everyone’s needs.
I cook for parties as small as two: “Date Night with a Chef”, or bigger on-site catering parties for hundreds of people. I accept every opportunity to showcase my art.
My crepes brunch is always well received. I bring my beautiful professional crepe makers and French team and let people choose what to put in their savory or sweet crepes. This also works well for corporate events, hospital parties, and any type of work events. I like perfection, I want my clients’ events to be perfect and memorable. I have heard people raving that my food was the best they ever had and that makes me very happy!
My most faithful client, Kelly, who had lived in France with her husband and just traveled to Paris texted me from there: “Your food is much better than it is in Paris!” You have no idea how proud that makes me feel and how motivated and encouraged I am. I am proud that my company grew faster than I thought, I am very proud when my former chefs or some famous French chefs give me compliments!
I am proud when my clients call me back after they try my food. I am proud when people recognize me at the grocery stores because they have heard of Chef Julia or they have tried my food at their friends’ houses.
I am proud of my team and my family and friends always following me and supporting me with such warmth and encouragement. I am proud to make my mom and dad proud. I think what makes French Chef At Home unique is all that and more. See you in the kitchen!
What were you like growing up?
I was a very happy little girl, my dad says I was always laughing, even too much, if that is possible. I was doing lots of sports, including competitive swimming for 12 years. We lived in the Côte du Rhône, a small town in the wine county where I and my brothers were free to bicycle everywhere, climb trees, run in the vineyards, steal apples from the farmers and run away…. Hahaha!
My two brothers, Antoine and Boris, are the best part of my childhood; I could never imagine my life without them. At home, we had ducks and rabbits, three dogs and many fruit trees. I loved nature. I didn’t love homework so much!!
Contact Info:
- Website: personalfrenchchefathome.com
- Phone: 6194328051
- Email: personalfrenchchefathome@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/frenchchefathome_
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/qTKq/MQcyCpEvN2
Suggest a story: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
