We had the good fortune of connecting with Chef Rosalind Cottingham and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chef Rosalind, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My first thoughts led me to realizing that I was working between 60-70 a week for someone else. At this point I decided that my time was luxury and I needed to adjust it accordingly. That’s when I decided to take a risk and leave my comfort zone from an organization I had workedwith for many many years. This happened in 2008, and I haven’t looked back since.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I got to where I am today because I always had a love for cooking and being in the kitchen. My professional path was working my way up the administrative change in the San Diego Community College District, in which I held several different positions over the course of my tenure with them. However after my mother passed away I realized that life was just too short! It was then I took the risk to pursue my passion, which was cooking and satisfying one’s palate. I had previously started my business in the year 2000, however was only taking on small parties and clients every so often. Overcoming challenges involves taking risks. The lesson is to take the risk and not be stuck wishing you had done something before it’s too late. So many people spend their time doing something other than what they’d really like to be doing. I took the risk and have been very content with my decision. Yes it was very scary, but has been well worth it.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
As chefs we love to hang out and cook delicious food together! Imagine that! However when friends come to town we always try to visit the Manchester Hyatt at Seaport Village for drinks and appetizers in the lounge. The lounge is on the 40th floor with spectacular views of city. Another place I like to frequent for lunch or dinner is C-Level on the harbor. It’s a great spot with good food and nice views too. Coffee and breakfast are also important, so we’re sure to visit one of the many coffee shops including Twiggs and Influx Cafe. And for breakfast you can always catch me at Parkhouse Eatery in University Heights.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I can shoutout so many people in my life. However the ones who deserve all the credit are my parents and my grandparents. They taught me to believe in myself. I would not be where I am today without there love, support, words of wisdom, and guidance! It was the way they raised me that propelled me to take the risk.

Website: www.somethingscooking.biz
Instagram: @chefrosalind
Facebook: facebook.com/chefrosalind

Image Credits
All images belong to me.