Sophia “SJ” Thomas is a young culinary star on the rise. This chef and entrepreneur is an inspiration to other young aspiring chefs and as a humanitarian, an inspiration to all. Let’s meet her.
First, tell our readers where you are based.
Hi everyone, I’m Sophia J. Thomas, and I’m now based in Georgia, where I love to cook up delicious meals and share my passion for food with others.
You started cooking at a young age. What were a couple of the first things you learned to cook or prepare in the kitchen?
When I first started cooking at three, one of the things I learned to make was 5 cheese macaroni, and it was so much fun cooking it with my mom.
What advice would you give to another young person like yourself who has already developed a love for cooking on how to nurture their talent into a career?
To all the young aspiring chefs out there, my advice is to keep cooking and practicing because that’s the way to nurture your talent. It might not be easy, but if you’re passionate about becoming a chef, go for it!
Are you also a foodie who really enjoys trying different foods etc.? What would you consider the perfect meal?
Oh, I am definitely a foodie! My perfect meal is Korean beef bulgogi. My mother was in the military and was stationed there, so I like to make it for her.
Do you have any future plans to attend culinary school or even to have your own restaurant?
In the future, I would love to attend the Culinary Institute of America to sharpen my culinary skills further.
Tell us about SJ Savory Kitchen.
SJ Savory Kitchen was born during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it’s a platform where I started sharing my recipes with other kids who were at home during online school.
I love that you can be hired to cook for children’s events. Is that only in your local area/state?
Yes, I can be hired to cook for children’s events, but it’s mainly in my local area/state.
Can you share what products/cook wear that is available for purchase and where can our readers show support?
Yes, I have a luxury cooking set that includes a chef hat, a potholder, an apron, and oven mittens. We sell them on my website www.sophiajthomas.com.
Now besides cooking, what do you like to do? Any hobbies? Sports? What is your favorite subject in school?
Besides cooking, I also enjoy playing volleyball and spending time with my friends. My favorite subject in school is definitely ELA.
You have already ignited a spirit of giving back. Why is that important to you?
Giving back is really important to me, and I make sure a portion of my earnings goes to a non-profit.
Clearly, you have a strong support circle in your family. How influential have your parents been in the evolution and manifestation of your success?
Both my parents were Captains in the U.S. Army and they now own their own businesses. So, I am following in their footsteps of being an entrepreneur. They are really supportive of my culinary journey. My Dad teaches me how to marinate steaks and chicken, my mom shows me how to make great side dishes and my grandfather taught me how to chop vegetables.
What is your absolute favorite thing so far about being a chef/entrepreneur?
The best thing about being a chef/entrepreneur is seeing the happiness on people’s faces when they try my food. It’s so comforting in many ways.
Is there anything that you don’t like to cook no matter how many times you try?
There’s nothing I don’t like to cook, but I have to avoid cooking with peanuts and seafood due to my allergies.
Who are some adult cooks who inspire you? Are there any “celebrity” chefs you would love to collaborate with?
Chef Carla Hall and Chef Gordon Ramsey are the adult cooks who inspire me, and it would be a dream come true to collaborate with either of them.
If you could appear on any cooking-related show which would be your top choice?
Actually, we are pitching a few show ideas.
Is there a cookbook for kids in our future?
A cookbook for kids might be in our future! Stay tuned!
Tell our readers where they can find out more information and connect with you.
To find out more about me and connect, you can visit my website www.sophiajthomas.com and follow my new Instagram @sophiajthomasofficial.
Anything to add?
Thank you all for your support and keep cooking with love!
