Meet Tony Massey

We were lucky to catch up with Tony Massey recently and have shared our conversation below.

Tony, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
Definitely my family. My grandfather was a roofer and he worked well into the winter season of his life. He would get up before the sun, travel across town on a bus, and provide roofing services that were unparalleled in craftsmanship. My mother worked two jobs and attended college, graduating with her Master’s Degree in Information Technology. My first job was walking through my neighborhood with a lawnmower and mowing lawns on the weekends and throughout the summer. I’ve had some type of employment since I was 12 years old. My family instilled in me, at an early age, a spirit of excellence that demands I work hard and show pride in everything my hands and mind produces.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Cooking is my passion. A well-crafted meal is the intersection between creativity, technique, and competency. It isn’t enough to prepare delicious meals, they have to be visually appealing and possess a depth of character that creates an experience for the consumer. Every meal I prepare and serve is accompanied by my passion and commitment to serve excellence.

I began my journey as a self-taught private chef by cooking for my family. I’m from the south and it’s easy to eat the same dishes over and over again without much creativity. As a former member of the US Navy, I’ve had the privilege of traveling extensively all over the globe. My goal was to enjoy the culture offerings completely and that meant eating foods and dishes I wasn’t familiar with. I brought back those flavors and experiences with me and seek opportunities to add them to traditional dishes I grew up eating. I transitioned to the private chef space by cooking for one client and that client gave rave reviews to her friends. Now, people seek me out via social media to either cook specific meals for them or to provide the full private chef experience in their homes for special occasions. It feels good to watch a couple enjoy my food and one another on their date night, anniversary, or just because.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
First, is competency. I think it is important that anyone who embarks upon any venture learn as much as they can before opening up shop. Learn the vernacular, learn the culture, learn the competition, learn the rules. Become a student before presenting yourself as an expert. Social media has created a lot of opportunities for talented people, but it’s also provided a platform for people who are ambitious, but unskilled.

Second, is humility. I think I am a very talented chef and I have the accolades to prove it. Having said that, I know that I’m one of many talented chefs and there are tons of chefs out there that could run circles around me. I definitely believe that you have to be the president of your own fan club, but do so with humility and the understanding that every crown tips eventually.

Finally, patience. It’s been said that there are no shortcuts to success, but that isn’t entirely true. There are plenty of shortcuts, but those shortcuts rob you of experiencing the journey. I’ve grown my social media following with consistency, authenticity, and the unwavering belief that my voice deserves to be heard. I’ve enjoyed building my business in a slow, methodical pace that doesn’t force me to sacrifice quality or service. Oprah Winfrey and Keith Lee have taught us all that you have to be prepared for success because if it comes when you’re not ready, it can be devastating to your brand.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. I believe completely in the power of manifestation. I believe that we are all creating our reality with every thought we think and every word we speak. The Bible says that there is power in the tongue, so I try my best to be intentional with my words. I try my best to speak positivity, abundance, and prosperity into my life as often as possible.

The protagonist in The Alchemist was driven by a mission and fueled by purpose. He had obstacles along the way that didn’t deter him and he experienced success that he didn’t allow to distract him. The book taught me that my Personal Legend will only be achieved through persistence and the awareness that everything has meaning. There are no accidents. There are no chance encounters. Every single moment in life is pre-ordained and I am exactly where I am supposed to be. Armed with that belief, I approach my journey in the same way the protagonist, Santiago did, with unyielding and unwavering tenacity. My successes are building blocks and my failures are valuable lessons.

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