In life, we often face unexpected challenges that test our resilience and determination. Bryant “Chef Baul” Williams, a renowned figure in the culinary industry, understands this all too well. He has navigated a tumultuous journey filled with highs, lows, and the unwavering support of his partner in business and life, Daniella Emillien.
Chef Baul, a self-taught culinary maestro, has left his mark on the culinary world for over a decade. He started his culinary journey in 2013 by launching Chef Baul Catering, a luxury catering company specializing in southern, Caribbean, and Asian cuisine. His culinary expertise quickly gained attention, leading him to cook for top entertainers like Lil Baby, Kendrick Lamar, and Gucci Mane. As he reflects on some of his experiences thus far, he says that he remains grateful for the blessings that his love of cooking has afforded him. “I have traveled all over the world, to more than twenty countries, and experienced so many different cultures and stayed in some of the most luxurious places with some of the biggest artists in the world, in places I never thought I would be,” he says. Not bad for someone who started their career selling plates from the trunk of his car!
As he continued to gain the attention of big-name artists and athletes, Chef Baul’s star became bigger and bigger, and soon after, he landed the opportunity to serve as the personal tour chef for Migos, traveling to over twenty countries and immersing himself in diverse cultures and cuisines. This experience fueled his passion for experimenting with new flavors and unconventional recipes.
However, Chef Baul’s journey took a sharp turn when a promising restaurant deal crumbled, leaving him devastated, homeless, and battling depression. In this dark period, he encountered his third and most powerful life lesson: “A minor setback is preparation for a major comeback.”
Chef Baul’s major comeback began with a chance encounter with Daniella Emillien, a former celebrity hairstylist and the founder of The Ivy League Academy, a financial literacy program empowering Black-owned businesses to access funding and resources. In a chance encounter, the two met while Daniela was sent to spy on Chef to see if she could figure out what the secret ingredient was in his delicious macaroni and cheese dish. “I was not able to find out what he was putting in that mac and cheese, and after trying over and over to get the same taste, I never could get that same taste,” says Daniella as she recaps their first meeting. The two reconnected for a visit in Atlanta shortly thereafter, and what started as a quest for a recipe turned into a power couple in the making. Daniella’s expertise in finance and business acumen, coupled with her unwavering support, helped Chef Baul rebuild his dreams and regain his footing.
Together, Daniella and Chef Baul turned adversity into opportunity. Through Daniella’s guidance, they rebuilt their credit, secured business funding, and revived Chef Baul’s culinary enterprise. Their collaboration extended beyond the culinary world, venturing into real estate, investments, and more.
On April 7, 2023, Chef Baul opened Binky’s Eatery, a luxury soul food takeout experience, and is launching Betty Sue’s, an all-day brunch concept. Their remarkable achievements include securing zero-dollar down payments and two-year rent-free contracts for both locations, demonstrating their resilience and determination in the face of adversity. “Daniella has always seen the bigger picture and even though I knew what it could be, she always thought about the big picture, and stepped in and took it to another level on that side of things,” says Chef Baul.
The journey of Chef Baul and Daniella exemplifies the power of love and determination in overcoming obstacles. Their success story is a beacon of hope, inspiring individuals to believe in their dreams and work tirelessly to turn setbacks into comebacks. As their restaurants continue to flourish and gain recognition as some of the best in the city, it is evident that “love is the main ingredient” in their recipe for success. “There are so many people that go through things and have losses and feel like they have nowhere to turn,” says Daniella, “that is why it is so important to have faith and support each other.”
For those aspiring to achieve their dreams, Chef Baul and Daniella’s story serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. With faith, hard work, and unwavering support, dreams can be realized, even in the face of life’s most challenging circumstances. “Faith keeps me going, and family and faith are more important than anything. Even now, I don’t feel like I made it. I feel like I have to keep going, and it is the faith that keeps us. At the end of the day, those are the two things that really matter,” says Chef Baul.
The power couple is a shining example of triumph and resilience, embodying the essence of determination and perseverance. Their story is an ode to the belief that when one door closes, another brighter one opens, and love truly is the main ingredient for success in business and life.
Stop by Binky’s: 20 Broad Street, NW Suite E, Atlanta, GA 30303
Follow Binky’s Eatery:
@binkyseatery @chefbaul @itshairbyivy
Add Comment