Meet Claire Allen, chef extraordinaire
A celebrity chef, food entertainer and entrepreneur, Claire Allen is growing her brand, writes Lutho Pasiya
SHE WAS never trained to become a professional chef, but today is one of the most famous chefs in South Africa – all thanks to her inspirational mother.
Claire Allen, 30, knew she wanted to become a chef when she was just six years old.
“I have never trained as a chef. I spend every day learning and growing my skills. I am a very instinctual cook which has been such a blessing. The best way to learn any trade is practice and I have to say my mother is the person who ignited my inspiration and passion.
“She was a young mom and raised me to be extremely hard-working, determined, brave and confident.
I often forget how brave I am, but being determined, passionate, persistent and hard-working I sometimes feel are negative attributes, especially when expressed without tact and respect.
“Hustling comes very naturally to me, it’s my norm and I credit that to my mother which I guess was sparked out of necessity. I hustle hard every day and I do that because failing is not an option; but failing happens – don’t get me wrong – and it took a long time for me to want to fail, get up, learn, grow and move forward.
“I work every day to achieve my goals for me, yes, but also to make my mom proud, to provide a role model for my sisters and grow a business and brand for my future daughters one day. I find my daily inspiration comes from a motivation to create a legacy and become a role model that others can look up to but, more importantly, can learn from.
“I want to pave a path, create a structure for those who follow me. I don’t come from a wealthy family, but I have been extremely blessed. I don’t have connections and friends in high places but I have met some kind and caring people who are generous and happy to help.
“I want to one day share my story – all the wins, but also all the losses, the tears, the stresses, sleepless nights, disappointments and hurt and have the women of our future use my story as a lesson, a stepping stone to achieve what they want and need to. We all have an assignment for our life and I wake up every morning and work towards achieving it,” she said.
“Food does not just nourish our body, it feeds our soul. “Our life is almost managed by where and what we will eat. I love cooking, creating, experimenting, eating, and feeding; it’s an incredible industry to be in.
“I don’t think this industry should be dominated by any sex.
“I think we all have the ability to bring flavours and ingredients to life.
“So if you have a passion, a love or a skill in the kitchen, jump in with both hands and get cooking and see where it leads… this industry has so many avenues and opportunities.
“The feeling that is ignited inside of me when I serve someone a plate of food and they take a bite, taste and enjoy every mouthful and look at me with so much gratitude and love. Food is love, it is a massive part of my life, my family and what I believe is the glue that really can connect people,” said Allen.
Born and bred in Dundee, the multi-talented food entertainer, entrepreneur and blogger plays Skinny Chef in the live theatre show Short Chef Skinny Chef.
Allen’s desire to grow her passion for food into a thriving business started in 2014. Inspired by numerous cooking shows, it was her entry into the third season of MasterChef South Africa that awakened her true commitment to being a food entertainer, and she launched her blog “Food Love” not long afterwards.
Since then, she has developed various brands that have strategically positioned her as one of the country’s most promising food entertainers and entrepreneurs.
In 2015, Allen became an occasional celebrity chef contributor to the popular daily morning programme, Expresso.
“I am the owner and run my company Signature Productions which, in years to come, I see as one of the leading strategic food curators… I would also like to have grown my brand and experience within the entertainment and television industry and I really hope I would have found love and started a family,” she said.