Sarah Gray

I am a self-developed business woman and chef in my industry.  My culinary journey began 11 years ago and has only grown from strength to strength through passion, hard work and dedication.  I never feel like going to work is a day in the office and I wouldn’t ever change what I do.  I have a massive passion for the industry as well as educating and empowering all in the culinary field.  I am proud to be the Chairperson for the SA Chefs women in Culinary committee and what this journey will bring to the industry.

My professional position is the Sales and Product Development manager for Sycro Distribution as well as founder and one of the Directors for The Cheff,  At The Cheff we procure and manufacture specialised fine food ingredients.  I believe ingredients as well as pouring your passion into any dish you prepare is what will set you above the rest.  This lesson I carry through into my business dealings as well as my personal life, passionate people will always produce.  Authenticity is key, this will always set you apart from the rest and ensure your success in whatever you do.  The key to success, I believe, is failure and the lesson is learnt in how you get up. I have failed many times but have never not decided to get up and try one more time.  I believe if you have not failed you cannot grow in any area of your life, I have learnt through life experience my lessons in business which no text book can ever teach you and this will be throughout the rest of my life.  I do not believe you ever cease to learn,

There is no greater joy for me than seeing someone smell or taste one of my products for the first time and I can see the love and passion I put into it through their excitement, this is why I do what I do and what drives me to get up every morning,  I believe we work in an exciting industry which is constantly changing and growing.  What could possibly be better than growing and changing with it, not following the trends but setting the trends. I don’t believe there is a box hence I don’t need to think out of it.