An Inspired Chat with julia chebotar of Manhattan NYC

julia chebotar shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi julia, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
I take a thoughtful, organized, and deeply intentional approach to everything I do. As a trained chef and certified health coach, I’ve built a business around creating clean, elevated meals that are both nourishing and craveable. I’m not just passionate about food—I’m passionate about how food supports well-being, and I bring that lens to every recipe, menu, and client experience.

I’m reliable, solutions-oriented, and collaborative. Whether I’m meal prepping for families, developing recipes for a brand, or planning a dinner party, I treat each project with care and professionalism. I know how to balance creativity with execution—and I always show up prepared.

Sometimes I wish I cooked the same way for myself as I do for my clients. It’s easy to pour so much into others and forget to nourish yourself the same way. I’m constantly reminding myself to practice what I preach—because I deserve that same level of care.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m Julia Chebotar—celebrity chef, Food Network winner, and wellness advocate, based in New York City. I’ve competed (and won!) on shows like Chopped, Kitchen Crash, Alex vs. America, and Yes, Chef!—but my favorite work happens off-camera, cooking for real people in their homes.

I focus on seasonal, clean, wellness-forward food made with high-quality ingredients—no preservatives, no seed oils, just honest meals that taste amazing and feel good.

Right now, creating events for wellness-focused brands, cooking for my clients, and sharing weekly videos of me teaching my boyfriend how to make fresh pasta every Sunday. It’s all about joy, connection, and great food.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
My mother taught me the most about work. She is the definition of resilience and resourcefulness and she showed me that no matter what you are doing, you do it with care and pride. She also taught me that working hard does not mean burning out. It means being present, being prepared, and staying grounded in your purpose. That mindset has stayed with me in the kitchen and in life.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self, “You do not have to prove your worth by doing everything perfectly. You are already enough just as you are.”

When I was younger, I put a lot of pressure on myself to get it all right, whether it was in the kitchen, in school, or just trying to navigate life. I wish I had known that growth comes from trying, stumbling, and learning, not from perfection. I would remind her that the things that make her different are her greatest strengths, and that softness, intuition, and creativity are just as valuable as hustle.

I would tell her to be a little gentler with herself, to enjoy the process more, and to trust that even the challenges are shaping something beautiful. Most importantly, I would remind her that she does not need to have it all figured out to be doing just fine.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, but it is only part of the picture. The public version of me is very real. It is me doing what I love, sharing food, wellness, and moments of joy. But like anyone, there are sides of me that are more private, more tender, and not always on display.

What you see publicly is rooted in who I am. I am driven, creative, and passionate about feeding people well. But behind the scenes there is also someone who gets tired, who doubts herself sometimes, and who is still learning. I try to show up as authentically as I can, but I also believe it is healthy to keep certain things just for yourself.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace in the kitchen, early in the morning, before the chaos of the day begins. When it is quiet, the light is soft, and I am prepping ingredients with no rush, just me, my knife, and a cutting board, it feels grounding and meditative.

I also find peace when I am by the ocean or cooking for people I love, especially when there is no pressure, just good food, good energy, and presence. Those are the moments that remind me why I do what I do.

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Image Credits
NY POST
NBC
NY TIMES

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