Chef Jayaun Smith | From Survival to Success

The City Sculptors Podcast by Twelfth Street Heritage returns for Season 2 with a powerful story of resilience, passion and purpose.In this episode, host Alexis Williams sits down with Kansas City native and Executive Chef Jayaun Smith, a visionary whose journey into the culinary world began out of necessity and transformed into a thriving career.Raised by a single mother who had him at just 14 years old, Chef Jayaun learned early on how to fend for himself. With limited resources at home, he began cooking at the age of 7 and quickly discovered a passion that would shape his future. By 14, he was classically training as a chef, and by 16, competing on a state and national level.From his time at Johnson County Community College’s Chef Apprenticeship program to becoming Executive Chef at Ruby Jean’s Kitchen and Juicery at just 22, Chef Jayaun has consistently elevated his craft. Today, he is a sought-after private chef, working with athletes, celebrities, and clients across the country, while continuing to pour back into his community.Known for putting an urban twist on classic dishes, Chef Jayaun shares how food became his foundation, his purpose, and his platform to inspire the next generation.Support the show