We caught up with the brilliant and insightful James L a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
James , thank you so much for joining us and offering your lessons and wisdom for our readers. One of the things we most admire about you is your generosity and so we’d love if you could talk to us about where you think your generosity comes from.
Since I was little I’ve always wanted to help people. Being shy and in the background most of my life it helped me to help people. Even now I still help because when I’m down knowing that I lifted someone else up makes my dark days brighter.
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?
Swagg Kitchen, is all about flavor, soul, and authenticity. We specialize in Southern-inspired comfort food with a creative twist. Our mission is simple: to bring people together through bold flavors and hearty portions that feel like a warm hug from grandma’s house.
Swagg Kitchen is the passion behind every plate. This isn’t just food—it’s an experience. Every dish we serve is handcrafted with love, seasoned with Southern flair, and delivered with personality. Whether we’re at a pop-up event, catering a family celebration, or rolling out a new product, we make sure everything we do reflects our motto: Food with flavor. Food with SWAGG(Seasoned With Ancestral Godly Guidance).
Right now, we’re really excited about expanding our brand. We’ve been working on a new product line featuring our signature homemade BBQ, spices, and hot sauces—bottled and ready for you to enjoy at home. We’re also rolling out our new “Loaded Up” menu, which puts a spotlight on customizable comfort classics like loaded potatoes, fries, and gourmet hot dogs.
We’d love folks to know that Swagg Kitchen isn’t just a brand—it’s a movement. It’s about community, creativity, and culture, all served on a plate. Keep an eye out—we’re just getting started.
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, I’d say the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been creativity, resilience, and relationship-building.
Creativity: From designing unique twist on traditional dishes, creativity has been at the core of everything I do. In the food business, you have to stand out—but that doesn’t mean just being flashy. It means being original while still delivering on taste and consistency.
Resilience: This journey has had its share of late nights, slow days, and unexpected hurdles. But what kept me moving forward was knowing why I started and refusing to quit. Resilience isn’t about never struggling—it’s about staying grounded during the struggle.
Relationship-Building: Whether it’s customers, collaborators, suppliers, or supporters, strong relationships have helped Swagg Kitchen grow. People don’t just buy your food—they invest in your story, your energy, and how you make them feel. So build real connections. Engage with your community, support others, and stay humble. The people around you can be your biggest cheerleaders—or your best teachers.
My advice would be don’t be afraid to experiment. Trust your instincts, study what others are doing, and then ask yourself, “How can I make this mine?” The more you create, the more confident you become in your voice and style. If you’re just starting out, remember this: your path won’t look like anyone else’s, and that’s okay. Focus on growth, not perfection. Keep learning, stay hungry (literally and figuratively), and lead with heart. That’s where the magic happens.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I’m interested in partnering with:
Fellow food creatives—chefs, food truck owners, bakers, or beverage brands—who want to co-host events, pop-ups, or fusion-style menus.
Event planners and venues looking for a dynamic food vendor or catering partner for weddings, festivals, private parties, or corporate functions.
Local artists, musicians, and small businesses who believe in building culture and community together through dope collaborations.
Retailers or distributors interested in carrying our upcoming line of signature sauces and branded food products.
If you bring passion, professionalism, and positive vibes, I’d love to connect and see what we can cook up together.
I believe collaboration is one of the most powerful tools for growth—and we’re excited to work with people who want to grow together.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swaggkitchen_?igsh=MTRmNzJtZXkzeTl1ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16FoNyi6WH/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@swaggkitchen_?_t=ZP-8wbC3xTyrWx&_r=1
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
