Meet GiaMarie Johnson

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful GiaMarie Johnson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi GiaMarie, so happy to have you on the platform and I think our readers are in for a treat because you’ve got such an interesting story and so much insight and wisdom. So, let’s start with a topic that is relevant to everyone, regardless of industry etc. What do you do for self-care and how has it impacted you?

For me, self-care is about creating balance between the energy I give to others and the energy I restore for myself. I spend time in my garden, growing the ingredients I cook with — it’s grounding and reminds me of the full circle of food and nourishment. I also make time for meditation, journaling, and being outdoors, whether it’s running, hiking, or simply walking in nature. These practices keep me centered and clear-minded. As a chef, that clarity directly impacts my effectiveness — I’m more creative in the kitchen, more patient with the process, and more intentional about the meals I design. Self-care allows me to show up fully for my craft and for the people I serve.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m a chef who believes that food should nourish the body and soul. I specialize in catering intimate events like luncheons, birthdays, and receptions with tailor-made menus crafted from organic ingredients and infused with pure positive intentions and love. What excites me most is creating experiences through food — from elegant charcuterie, fruit, and crudité platters to gourmet lunch boxes and buffets, each designed to feel both special and intentional. I’ve streamlined my catering business to highlight these offerings, and I’m now excited to grow into a new venture: a micro bakery. Soon, I’ll be bringing freshly baked cakes, cookies, and breads directly to the community, continuing my farm-to-table philosophy on an even more personal level.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Three qualities that have truly shaped my journey are resilience, creativity, and mindfulness. As a breast cancer survivor, resilience became more than just a word — it was my lifeline. It taught me how to keep going with courage, no matter what obstacles were in front of me. Creativity gave me the ability to reinvent myself, not only in the kitchen but in life, turning challenges into new opportunities. And mindfulness — through meditation, journaling, and time in nature — helped me find balance and peace when life felt uncertain.

For those at the beginning of their journey, my advice is this: lean into your resilience, even when it feels hidden; nurture your creativity, because it will carry you forward in unexpected ways; and give yourself moments of stillness. These qualities don’t just help you overcome challenges — they help you create a life filled with meaning, joy, and purpose

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

The most impactful thing my parent did for me was lead by example. My mother, an entrepreneur, showed me what it looks like to follow your heart and bring visions to life. She taught me that if I believed in an idea deeply enough, I could manifest it into reality. From her, I learned to have faith in beautiful outcomes even when the path wasn’t clear — to trust that the universe had my back. That lesson has shaped not only how I approach my career as a chef and entrepreneur, but also how I live my life: with courage, trust, and intention.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://deliciousbydesignllc.godaddysites.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deliciousbydesignbychefgiamarie/
• Facebook: https://www.faebook.com/chefgiamarie