Today we’d like to introduce you to Lorna Boyd.
Hi Lorna, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey in hospitality began in Jamaica, where I attended college to study hospitality services. During my studies, I was introduced to culinary arts, and that experience completely changed the direction of my career. I discovered that my true passion was creating experiences through food—the ability to bring people together, tell stories, and create meaningful moments around the table.
That passion led me to pursue the culinary path, taking me from Jamaica to the United States and allowing me to grow through different experiences within the hospitality industry. Along the way, I continued developing my skills, learning the importance of not only great food, but exceptional service and creating memorable experiences for guests.
In 2023, I officially launched Let’s Eat With Kibwe, combining my hospitality background, culinary passion, and love for bringing people together. What started as a vision has grown into a private chef and catering company offering elevated dining experiences, intimate dinners, brunches, cooking classes, retreats, and customized culinary experiences throughout Nashville and beyond.
For me, food has always been about more than a meal. It’s about connection, culture, and creating moments people remember. Every dish I create carries a piece of my journey—from my Jamaican roots to my experiences in the United States—and my mission is to make every guest feel welcomed, celebrated, and cared for.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey has definitely not been a perfectly smooth road, but every challenge has played an important role in shaping me and my business. Building Let’s Eat With Kibwe from the ground up has required patience, resilience, and a willingness to keep learning along the way.
One of the biggest challenges has been transitioning from being a chef with a passion for creating amazing food into becoming a business owner responsible for every part of the company—from marketing and operations to finances, client relationships, and growth. Learning how to balance the creative side of cooking with the demands of entrepreneurship has been a journey in itself.
Moving from Jamaica to the United States also taught me the importance of adaptability and perseverance. Starting over in a new environment while continuing to pursue my passion required courage, faith, and a commitment to keep pushing forward.
There have been moments of uncertainty, but those moments have also been some of my greatest teachers. Every obstacle has helped me become a stronger leader, refine my vision, and appreciate every milestone along the way.
I’ve learned that building something meaningful takes time. The challenges are part of the story, and they’ve made me even more passionate about creating a brand that represents culture, connection, and unforgettable experiences through food.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I consider myself a culinary artist and storyteller. Through Let’s Eat With Kibwe, I create elevated food experiences that bring people together and allow them to connect through culture, creativity, and hospitality.
My work goes beyond preparing a meal. I specialize in private chef experiences, luxury catering, intimate dinners, brunches, cooking classes, retreats, and customized events where every detail is thoughtfully designed around the client’s vision. My hospitality background has taught me that the experience is just as important as the food itself—the atmosphere, the presentation, the service, and the memories created around the table all matter.
I’m known for creating dishes that blend my Jamaican roots with diverse culinary influences, while adding my own creative touch. I love taking familiar flavors and transforming them into experiences that feel unique, elevated, and personal.
One of the things I’m most proud of is building Let’s Eat With Kibwe from the ground up and creating a brand that represents more than food. It represents connection, culture, and the feeling of being welcomed. Whether I’m cooking for a small private gathering or a larger event, my goal is always for guests to feel cared for and leave with an unforgettable experience.
What sets me apart is my combination of culinary creativity and hospitality. I don’t just want people to enjoy a meal—I want them to remember the moment, the flavors, and the story behind it. Every plate I create carries a piece of my journey, from my beginnings in Jamaica to building my culinary brand in Nashville.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I believe the culinary and hospitality industry is moving in a beautiful direction where people are looking for more than just food—they are looking for experiences, connection, and memories. A meal has the power to bring people together, tell a story, and make people feel at home, and I think that is something people are craving more than ever.
Over the next 5–10 years, I see more people moving toward private dining, intimate gatherings, cooking classes, retreats, and experiences that feel personal and meaningful. People don’t just want to sit down and eat; they want to understand the story behind the food, meet the person creating it, and feel connected to the experience.
I also believe we will continue to see more appreciation for cultural influences in food. As a Jamaican chef, I know how powerful food can be in sharing where you come from and introducing people to different flavors, traditions, and stories. Food allows us to celebrate our differences while bringing us together.
For me, the future of hospitality is about creating moments people remember. That has always been my approach with Let’s Eat With Kibwe. Whether I’m preparing an intimate dinner, teaching a cooking class, or creating a larger event, my goal is always the same: to make people feel welcomed, cared for, and connected.
I’m excited about where the industry is going because I feel like it’s moving closer to what I’ve always believed—food is not just something we consume; it’s an experience we share.
Pricing:
- Yes, our experiences are customized based on the guest count, menu selections, location, and level of service requested. Some starting points include: • Private chef dining experiences: Starting at $200+ per person, depending on the menu and experience details. • Luxury brunch and dinner catering experiences: Starting at $1,000+ for intimate gatherings, with customized options available for larger events. • Cooking classes and interactive culinary experiences: Starting at $1,000 for private group experiences. • Custom events, retreats, and specialty experiences: Pricing is tailored based on the client’s vision, number of guests, and requested services. Every Let’s Eat With Kibwe experience is designed to be more than a meal—it is a personalized culinary experience created around each client’s celebration, gathering, or special moment.
Contact Info:
- Website: Info@letseatwithkibwe.com
- Instagram: @Let’s.eat.with.kibwe
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BZGPiAss8/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@letseatwithkibwe?si=1gv1JGeRPYD5AjJ2
