Today’s episode is such a treat - and not just because we recorded inside J&K Style Grill with the menus literally behind us 😂
I sat down with Keona Dooley, the 19-year-old owner of two restaurants, two food trucks, a sauce line, AND the author of her first cookbook at age thirteen. Like… what were WE doing at 13? (Definitely not running a restaurant.)
Keona's story is wild in the best way - built on family, faith, flavor, and the kind of ambition you don’t see every day anymore. From helping her dad in the kitchen as a kid… to taking over a restaurant before she even had algebra homework… to serving celebrities, winning wing competitions, and building a brand people travel states for.
We talk about:
✨ How she knew entrepreneurship was her path
✨ What it’s like building a business so young (and the challenges no one sees)
✨ Her creative process for viral flavors (salted caramel wings?? obsessed)
✨ Why her egg rolls and waffle burgers have the whole city talking
✨ The advice Jada Kiss gave her that completely shifted her mindset
✨ Protecting your energy + choosing the right people as you grow
This convo is inspiring, real, and so much fun - and if you’re someone who knows you're destined for more that just mediocre...Keona's story will light a fire under you.
Pour your iced coffee, press play, and let’s get into it. 💛☕️✨
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