We’re looking forward to introducing you to Chef NAILA . Check out our conversation below.
Chef , a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day are my quiet power hours. I wake up early, before the city stirs, and start with a moment of prayer and gratitude—grounding myself in purpose. A cup of herbal tea in hand, I take a few deep breaths by the window, letting the morning light spill in. From there, I move into a light stretch and a quick walk, letting ideas simmer as the day begins. By the time I step into my kitchen, I’m ready—ingredients lined up, creativity flowing. Whether I’m testing a new soulful recipe or prepping for a catering event, those early hours are when flavors come to life, menus take shape, and the heart of my work begins. It’s a ritual that keeps me centered, inspired, and ready to serve my community with love on every plate.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Naila Lacey, chef and founder of 524 Catering, where soulful elegance meets heart-healthy cooking. My journey started at 9 years old where the light of the science behind nutrition when watching chef Alton brown . At 18, walking across my high school graduation stage nervous that giving birth to my first daughter would come before walking . At a time when many doubted me—and I questioned myself—I found purpose. In giving life to my daughter, I also gave life to my dream. 524 is named after her birthday, a daily reminder that what begins in challenge can blossom into something beautiful. Today, we reimagine Southern and Creole classics with nourishing, holistic ingredients—proving that comfort food can heal as much as it delights, and that resilience can be the most important ingredient of all.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Bubbly spirit, quiet eyes—
always in motion, yet always watching.
A free soul who carried the weight of caring for others,
long before the world told me who I had to be.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me the kind of strength that can’t be faked and the kind of faith that can’t be bought. It showed me how to create beauty out of brokenness, how to keep moving when the path isn’t clear, and how to value the smallest victories. Success feels good—but suffering taught me to grow, to listen, to adapt, and to keep my heart soft even when the world feels hard. It gave me gratitude for the moments I used to take for granted, and it shaped the resilience that now fuels every success I’ve earned.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What important truth do very few people agree with you on?
That comfort food can be both deeply soulful and truly healthy. Many people think you have to choose between flavor and wellness, but I believe—and live by—the idea that you can honor tradition, indulge in rich flavors, and still nourish your body. It’s not about stripping culture away from food, it’s about reimagining it so it fuels both the soul and the heart.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say that I lived with purpose, led with love, and poured my whole heart into serving others. That I turned challenges into stepping stones, and never let my circumstances define me. That my food didn’t just feed people—it brought them comfort, connection, and joy. Most of all, I hope they remember that I believed in the power of community, culture, and care, and that I left the world a little warmer, a little fuller, and a little more inspired than I found it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://catering524.wixsite.com/chefnaila
- Instagram: @Chef_Naila
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/NailaLacey
- Yelp: https://yelp.com/biz/5twofour-catering-north-county
