We recently connected with Jouvens Jean and have shared our conversation below.
Jouvens, 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 was born in the Bahamas but, my blood is Haitian. I need not say more.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Few can claim to have come out on the Food Network’s popular show “Chef Wanted” and ended up being the chosen one. Fewer still have also emerged victorious on the same network’s notoriously competitive show, “Cutthroat Kitchen”. He was south out for a third time by the network to battle Bobby Flay on his show “Beat Bobby Flay”. To solidify his champion status, he was crowned the Creole “Chopped” Champion on the same network. Throw in “author Yon Ti Epis, Bahamian born, U.S. raised, Haitian origin, and international travel exposure” and you end up with the recipe of acclaimed celebrity Chef Jouvens Jean.
His experience has allowed him to effortlessly transcend in the culinary industry. He has opened countless restaurants and hotels in several countries, he’s taught culinary arts in the U.S., China and the Caribbean, he’s won numerous awards and accolades and with all of his accomplishments he is still able to remain humble. Despite being well versed in a variety of culinary concepts, the food of Haiti plays a central role in his culinary mastery.
Chef Jouvens has become one of Haitian Creole cuisine’s biggest exponents and innovators. This desire to push the cuisine forward is tempered by his profound respect for its principles, and unpretentious nature. He has spearheaded a variety of projects in Haiti, one of which he’s extremely passionate about, The Chef Jouvens Foundation. Concretely the foundation’s primary focus is concentrated on the youths of Haiti. His theory behind creating the foundation is that even if he can’t change the world, he hopes to inspire the mind that will.
Apart from being of service to Haiti, Chef Jouvens also serves in the United States Army as a sergeant in the Army Reserves.
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 most important qualities, skills, and or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in my journey has paying attention to details, remaining discipline even throughout the hard times and being consistent with my standards.
My advice to anyone starting out in their journey is to stay laser focus on the mission. Do not compromise, do not waiver not even a little but, if you have to modify anything just adjust fire as needed and re-engage your target.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
It’s all on you. The only person who is going to be the most influential to help you develop essential skills, qualities and knowledge is you.
Having people in your life to help you with your journey such as your family, friends, and mentors are great tools to help along the way, but no one knows you like you.
Hone into you, where you want to be, who you want to be but most importantly be honest with yourself. Once you are in agreement with who you are then you can overcome any challenge set before you.
Contact Info:
- Website:www.jouvensjean.com
- Instagram: @chefjouvens
- Facebook: chefjouvens
- Linkedin: Jouvens Jean
- Youtube: Team Chef Jouvens
Image Credits
Pedro Matinez Stephanie Weber
