I didn't always know where I was going.
But I knew I wanted to build something different.
ABOUT CHEF JANESE
COLUMBUS, OHIO· 12+ YEARS · CULINARY ARTS· PRIVATE DINING
I'm Chef Janese Boston, founder of Living Proof Chef Service, a Columbus, Ohio private chef service specializing in private dining, celebrations, corporate gatherings, and retreat dining throughout Central Ohio and Hocking Hills.
Twenty years ago, I was released from prison.
Coming home gave me a lot to think about, but eventually I reached a point in my life where I knew I needed to make a change—not just for myself, but for the life I wanted to create for me and my two children.
I already had a degree in Communications, but I wanted to learn a trade. I wanted something I could build a career around, something practical, something that felt like it could actually become a life.
I chose culinary arts.
And honestly, it wasn't a completely random choice.
I've had a connection to food since I was a little girl. I was always drawn to it—the creating, the gathering, the way food could bring people together. When I started thinking seriously about what I could see myself doing for the long term, I could picture myself in a kitchen. I could actually see myself being a chef.
So I went for it.
I earned my second degree in Culinary Arts and began building my experience from the ground up, working in different kitchens and hospitality environments and learning something from every one of them.
CULINARY SCHOOL
Earned my second degree in Culinary Arts and built the foundation for my career.
INTERNSHIP & EXPERIENCE
Interned in Washington, D.C., and mentored with Hell’s Kitchen winner, Chef J.R. Robinson.
FIRST HIGH- PROFILE CLIENT
Cooking for NFL player Willie Gay opened the door to a new level of opportunity.
FULL CIRCLE
Years later, I catered an event for the city alongside my former probation officer.
Every chapter shaped the chef I am today.
Over the years, that experience has taken me from professional kitchens and catering operations to private residences, retreats, corporate gatherings, and some pretty incredible tables.
But somewhere along the way, I realized that the part of being a chef that means the most to me isn't just the food.
It's taking care of people.
It's paying attention. It's anticipating what needs to happen next. It's creating an experience where the person who invited everyone over doesn't have to spend the evening worrying about dinner.
That's what I bring to a table now.
Not just food.The experience of being taken care of.
WHY LIVING PROOF
Living Proof wasn't named because my story is perfect.
It was named because my life has taught me that where you start doesn't have to dictate what you build.
I came home twenty years ago with a lot of life ahead of me and two children depending on me. I made a decision to learn something new, build a career, and create a different kind of life.
Today, I get to make a living doing something I can genuinely say I was able to see myself becoming all those years ago.
A chef.
That's Living Proof to me.
- CHEF JANESE BOSTON
- BEYOND THE TABLE
Be Living Proof.
That's the Motto.
Putting the neighbor back in the neighborhood.