Meet Charline Calixte

We were lucky to catch up with Charline Calixte recently and have shared our conversation below.

Charline , we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

I get my resilience from my upbringing watching my mother and the other people who have shaped me along the way.
Growing up, I specifically remembering watching my mom push through challenges with grace and determination, her strength and sense of community taught me the importance of perseverance.
In my work, I draw resilience from the responsibility I feel toward my team and the 3,000 kids we feed daily knowing that what I do directly impacts their well-being keeps me going, even when things get tough. I’ve also learned that resilience isn’t just about pushing through it’s about adapting, finding solutions, and staying focused on the bigger picture. Every setback is a lesson, and that mindset keeps me grounded and motivated.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I am a Chef and Culinary innovator focused on using food as both nourishment and a tool for education and connection. By day, I oversee three bustling kitchens, leading a team of 20 staff members — though we’re often short-staffed — and together, we feed over 3,000 children across multiple school sites daily. My work goes far beyond just serving meals; it’s about ensuring that every child receives nutritious, thoughtfully prepared food while also expanding their palates and minds.
I’m deeply committed to fighting childhood obesity, diabetes, and other health challenges by prioritizing fresh, farm-to-table ingredients sourced from local purveyors in NYC. But just as important, I strive to expose these kids to global cuisines — introducing them to flavors and dishes from around the world. It’s about more than feeding them; it’s about planting seeds of curiosity and appreciation for food and culture.
In addition to my daily work, along with my brother I own Creative Minds Culinary Services and the supper club Les Bons Vivants. CMCS focuses on crafting bold, innovative menus for all types of events, ensuring every bite tells a story. **
Les Bons Vivants is a more intimate experience — an immersive dining concept where food, art, and culture intersect, creating memorable evenings inspired by heritage, community, and creativity.
What excites me most whether I’m serving a child their first taste of something new or hosting an unforgettable supper club event is the way food brings people together. My mission is to keep pushing the boundaries, not only feeding bodies but feeding minds and hearts as well. There’s always something new ahead themed dinners, community collaborations, and creative menus but at the core, it’s always about connection through food.

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?

Looking back, the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been prayer and reflection, effective communication, and self-advocacy.
Prayer and reflection ground me — I’ve learned the importance of speaking to God before I speak to anyone else. It helps me move with intention and stay centered, even when the day feels overwhelming.
Effective communication has been a game-changer. It’s not just about speaking clearly — it’s about listening, understanding different perspectives, and making sure my message inspires action and connection.
Self-advocacy has taught me that no one will fight for my vision the way I will. I had to learn how to confidently speak up for myself, my team, and the work we do — making sure others see the value and importance of what we bring to the table.
For anyone just starting their journey, my advice is simple: start with yourself. Ground yourself in what you believe, work on how you express your thoughts, and never hesitate to stand up for your ideas or your worth. Growth comes when you find your voice and use it with purpose.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

My biggest area of growth in the past 12 months has been expanding my vision — not just for my work, but for myself. I’ve learned the importance of dreaming bigger. There have been moments when life presented opportunities I never imagined, and each time, it challenged me to stretch my thinking even further. I’ve realized that when you believe you’re thinking big, there’s always an even **bigger** possibility waiting just beyond that.
This mindset shift has pushed me to be more bold and intentional, not only in the way I approach my goals but also in how I inspire those around me. Two very important people in my life constantly challenge me to go even bigger and push beyond my limits, and that has been a crucial driving force in my growth.
Most importantly, I know this is just the beginning. There’s so much more ahead, and I’m committed to continuing to push the boundaries of what I believe is possible.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://creativemindscs.com/
• Instagram: Chef Charline/ Les.Bons. Vivants.nyc / Creativemindsnyc

Image Credits

Dunzo Photo
bitesizedstudio