Brittiney Moore of Pinewood on Life, Lessons & Legacy

Brittiney Moore shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Good morning Brittiney , it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I’m definitely walking a path, one that I’ve built through intention and purpose. But I also believe in healthy wandering, exploring new ideas, pushing boundaries, and allowing growth to happen organically. For me, wandering isn’t being lost; it’s expanding the map.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Chef Brittiney Moore — a personal chef, culinary director, and the founder of 8th Wonder Cuisine. My brand blends Southern hospitality with global inspiration, creating experiences that feel both refined and soulful. I’ve cooked in 28 states and was recently named Food Fire Knives’ Chef of the Year 2025. My mission is simple: to tell stories through food that make people feel seen, connected, and inspired.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My mother. She saw me clearly long before I ever saw myself. She used to tell me I would be great and not in that casual, “every parent says that” kind of way, but with conviction. She saw something in me that I hadn’t yet recognized, the size of my heart, my compassion, and the way I naturally care for people. She believed I’d not only be successful, but also a good human being. Looking back now, I realize she was naming the parts of me that would later shape my entire journey; as a chef, as a creative, and as a person who leads with love through food.

When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
When I was sad or scared as a child, my mom was my comfort. She was my best friend, and she had the voice of an angel. When she sang, everything felt still — my fears, my worries, all of it. Her voice carried this sense of peace and love that I’ve carried with me ever since. She’s no longer here, and there are still moments when I wish I could just hear her voice again. But in many ways, I’ve found my own way to continue that comfort through cooking. The way she soothed me with her songs — that’s what I try to give people through my food. Warmth. Peace. A sense of being cared for. Every dish I create is, in some way, an echo of her love.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
I think one of the biggest lies the culinary industry tells itself is that success only comes through constant grind and burnout. That to be great, you have to sacrifice your peace. I used to believe that too. But I’ve learned that creativity doesn’t thrive in exhaustion; it thrives in balance. The truth is, you can still be passionate, ambitious, and excellent while also being whole. I cook better, lead better, and connect deeper when I’m not running on empty.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people remember my heart, the way I made them feel. I want my legacy to be about the love, compassion, and purpose I poured into my work and the people around me. More than my food, I hope I’m remembered for the warmth I brought into every room and every life I touched.

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Image Credits
Crush Rush Photography

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