Meet Raheem Amir Cowen

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Raheem Amir Cowen. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Raheem Amir , thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

A strong work ethic is extremely vital to success in any endeavor. I have learned the importance of doing the right thing, even if my decision means going against what I’m use to or mediocrity.

One of the primary sources of my work ethic can be attributed to my upbringing within a family that prioritized hard work and its rewards. From as early as I can remember, I have learned the value of working hard and understood the benefit and results from doing so. At age 5 years old I can vividly recall walking along with my Dad to the grocery store after gathering our recyclables and inserting them into the recycling machine. The joy I received from receiving money after to buy any candy I wanted that let me know if I put in the work I’ll receive the reward. Or me and my Dad walking my mom to the bus stop in the early hours at young age, watching her scale a large wall to reduce travel time to make it to work on time. I have been raised in a family in which working hard, being consistent, moving with Faith and having a solid foundation with Jesus apart of every decision I make is always the key to success.

The educational environment I have been exposed to has also played a crucial role in shaping my work ethic. Being around my peers of all ages allowed me to see my goals and dreams had no boundaries or limits. The challenges and demands of my education have pushed me to develop a strong work ethic as I strive to meet deadlines, study diligently, and consistently perform at my best.

Over the course of my life, I have been fortunate to encounter numerous mentors and role models who have influenced and inspired my work ethic. From my parents, siblings, grandmother and my mentor Jonas Mack who’s taught so much. Observing their relentless pursuit of excellence and their unwavering commitment to their work has encouraged me to adopt a similar mindset.

Facing adversity and overcoming obstacles have taught me the importance of resilience, determination, and hard work. Personal experiences, both positive and challenging, have also contributed significantly to the development of my work ethic. I’ve been thru so much to get where I am and I’ve accomplished more than I ever thought I would. Through these experiences, I have learned that success often requires perseverance, adaptability, and a willingness to put in the necessary effort, even in the face of setbacks.

My desire to accomplish meaningful goals, make a positive impact on my community and family and continuously improve myself serves as a driving force behind my work ethic. My core values, such as integrity, accountability, and a passion for excellence have allowed me to build multiple businesses I can take pride in CookordietryinTV/catering, Pieontheflyy catering, The Mecca Apparel and IEatery Cafe. I’m forever grateful for the support and opportunities I’ve been blessed with and look forward to growing more.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I was introduced to the idea of cooking at a very young age. Looking back, I can remember going to my Auntie’s house on the weekend’s from the IE to LA and she would have a cabinet full of boxed cake mix and icings, every flavor. I remember her letting me climb on the counter to pick a flavor then she would patiently take me through each step from cracking eggs to measuring, baking and even checking with the toothpick. Or even my mom and grandmother who are both certified in the food industry.

I’ve went thru so many obstacles and have learned from them all from being stranded, hungry, broke, dropping classes, long nights, minimal support. I remember sitting in the back of my lecture classes drawing CookOrDieTryin over and over not knowing what I was building, it became a lifestyle for me.
2 1/2 years later, I graduated with my Associates in Culinary Art & Science and two years after that I taught myself about LLC’s and officially incorporated my first business. And years after this all I co-own another catering company with my siblings and mom called “Pieontheflyy” and it’s such a pleasure and blessing to be able to share this experience with them all.

Lately I’ve been focusing on solidifying those businesses, focus on my health and raise my beautiful daughter Amira Cowen. I’m always going to be involved with community outreach so, I work with various non-profits, lots of catering and just building my brand while networking the best way’s possible. I recently got back into the studio recording figuring out a way to implement the music and food to where it makes sense.

I have a lot I’d like to introduce from our brands this year from Merchadise, cook books, cookware etc… God willing. So, please stay tuned in support when you can and most of all stay Blessed. Follow my pages on instagram.

@cookordietryintv
@pieontheflyy
@ieaterycafe
@themeccaapparel

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I believe the three most impactful would be my Culinary Creativity. The ability to think outside the box and come up with unique and innovative dishes is crucial and It helps in creating new flavor combinations, experimenting with ingredients, and developing a signature style that sets them apart from others.

Another would be Time Management and Organization. The fast-paced and demanding environment of a professional kitchen requires excellent time management and organizational skills. You must be able to prioritize tasks, efficiently plan and execute multiple orders and make sure that each dish is prepared and served on time.

And last Knowledge of Ingredients and Techniques. A clear understanding of ingredients, their characteristics, and how they work together is important. Knowing which ingredients complement each other and how to highlight their flavors can elevate a dish to another level. Furthermore, knowlege in various cooking techniques, such as sautéing, roasting, braising, and molecular gastronomy, allows chefs to execute dishes with precision and finesse.

These three qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge play a significant role in a chef’s journey, contributing to their culinary success and growth.

On my journey I believe having solid people around you to learn from is extremely beneficial. To flourish In this industry you must have Passion and Drive. One of the most impactful qualities for a chef is a genuine passion for cooking. It fuels the dedication and perseverance needed to excel in the culinary industry. As well as Continuous Learning and Adaptability. The culinary field is constantly evolving, with new trends, techniques, and ingredients emerging. Being open to learning and adapting is crucial for growth as a chef.
And last piece of advice would be Strong Work Ethic. The culinary industry demands hard work, long hours, and a strong work ethic. Chefs must be willing to put in the effort and consistently strive for excellence. This includes practicing and honing basic cooking techniques, mastering knife skills, and developing a keen sense of taste. Embrace constructive criticism and learn from mistakes to improve your skills.

My advice to those early in their culinary journey is to gain practical experience by working in professional kitchens. Start from the basics, such as working as a line cook or commis, to build a strong foundation. Be proactive and seek opportunities to learn from experienced chefs. Additionally, develop good time management habits, stay organized, and cultivate a positive attitude even during challenging times.

Finally, remember that becoming a skilled chef takes time and patience. Embrace the journey, stay curious, and never stop learning and enjoy what your doing.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
This field is very demanding and can take its toll on your physical and mental health. For me Prayer always offers a solace and support when feeling overwhelmed.

Prayer also gives me Perspective and Guidance. Engaging in prayer helps me gain perspective on the challenges I’m facing. It allows me to step back, reflect, and seek guidance or wisdom from God. Through prayer, you may find clarity, inspiration, or solutions to the issues causing overwhelm.

While prayer can help you tap into your inner strength and resilience, It can give you the motivation, courage, and determination to face challenges head-on, even when overwhelmed. Also keep the best positive people around you those are the driving forces to staying on top mentally.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
@pradertv on instagram

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