During Black History Month, Chef Celeste is being recognized for redefining success in the culinary world while giving back to her community.

Celeste Gill, a Baton Rouge-based culinary entrepreneur, previously owned Chef Celeste LLC in downtown Baton Rouge, where she served Louisiana cuisine.

Since then, she has been named Chef of the Year, authored her own cookbook and expanded her work to include community cooking classes and catering services at the Monte Cristo.

Throughout her career, Celeste has cooked for several high-profile clients, including comedian Mike Epps, television personality Rosie O’Donnell, award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey and LSU alumnus Shaquille O’Neal.

As a Black woman in the culinary industry, Celeste said she has experienced moments of doubt from others.

“They knew that a female was opening the place. I don’t think they knew it was a Black female,” she said. “So I spoke on my way in and I got that look like, ‘Why are you looking at me? Why are you speaking to me?’”

Despite challenges, Celeste continues to use her platform to inspire others and invest in the Baton Rouge community through food and mentorship.

To keep up with Chef Celeste and support her work, you can follow her on Instagram @chefcelestegill