We’re looking forward to introducing you to Chef Irma Gottshalk. Check out our conversation below.
Irma, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
One of the greatest sources of joy in my life, apart from my passion work, is traveling the world. I believe it will continue to enrich me until the day I fully rest in God. Through travel, I cherish the opportunity to experience His creation—the people, the lands, the waters, the cultures, and the food that reflect His beauty.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Chef Irma Gottshalk, first and foremost a child of God, blessed to be the wife of Kevin Gottshalk and mother to Aletheia and Xoana. I am the chef-owner of iGott Flava Catering and the author of Bless Up! Respect and Manner: Cook and Eat Jamaican Food Weekly. I am currently working on my next book, God Given Dream: One Evidence God Communicates with His People. It was through a God-given dream that I was inspired to begin building a bed and breakfast in Jamaica.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
God saw me clearly before I could see myself. As His Word declares, ‘Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you’ (Jeremiah 1:5), and ‘You are fearfully and wonderfully made’ (Psalm 139:14).
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
I will never glorify suffering, but I have learned that out of suffering can come God-given purpose. Success may affirm our efforts, but suffering refines our character and deepens our dependence on God. I have chosen not to let suffering make me bitter; instead, I run to God and abide in Him. Through this, I’ve discovered strength, resilience, and a clearer sense of calling that success alone could never reveal. For example, when my daughter went home to be with the Lord, I remained in constant devotion to Him, and He revealed truths that have shaped my success and purpose today.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
What I believe about myself is that I am an action-oriented person, committed to completing every task I undertake. Building a bed and breakfast in Jamaica has been a five-year journey, and I am dedicated to seeing it through to completion. I rise early each morning to commute over an hour—depending on traffic—to ensure I have the resources needed to bring this vision to fruition. I am driven by God-given purpose.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
In my devotion this week, the Holy Spirit impressed upon me that God is the ultimate legacy—the original legacy builder, passing blessings from generation to generation. I chose this question just for fun, as it reminds me of the classic, ‘What would you do if you won the lottery?’ I am a person who plans and executes, and I am currently building a legacy—one that reflects God’s character. This includes pursuing full-time business ventures and traveling the world, all guided by His purpose for my life
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chefirmablessings.com
- Instagram: Irma Gottshalk
- Linkedin: Irma Gottshalk
- Facebook: ChefIrma Gottshalk
Image Credits
Khanetic Images
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