The Unstoppable Journey of Chef T
Be Fit or Get Bit!
Welcome to Chefin N Flexin, where our commitment to crafting exceptional meals is intertwined with a story of determination, setbacks, and triumphant comebacks.
"Join me on a journey that goes beyond the kitchen, embracing a tale of resilience, transformation, and a passion for culinary excellence." - Chef T
Childhood Entrepreneurship in NJ
Our story begins in New Jersey, where, at the age of 14, our founder, Tyler Lowey, created a lawn service, dubbed "Tyler's Speedy Lawns."
Simultaneously, he earned income by selling candy and t-shirts in school while working as a golf caddy on the weekends. These early entrepreneurial experiences planted the seeds of ambition and determination.
Santa Monica Bound: A Leap of Faith
At 17, armed with confidence and a clear vision for the future, Tyler boldly took his life savings and relocated to Santa Monica just three days after high school graduation, setting out on a journey to pursue higher education. While his parents covered tuition costs, he took on the responsibility for all other expenses.
The Birth of Chefin N Flexin
Marathon Challenge
Amidst the struggles of college, a unique opportunity presented itself: Tyler decided to take on the LA marathon with just two weeks of training, dedicating his efforts to support the charity "Reading to Kids." During this short period, Tyler started using social media to document his training and nutrition journey, incorporating two separate hashtags: #chefin and #flexin on his personal Instagram.
Reflecting on his experiences, Tyler said, "After a tough workout, I'd come home, take off my sweaty shirt, go to the kitchen, and always notice the vein in my bicep while cooking." Unintentionally, this laid the groundwork for the culinary adventure that lay ahead. Chefin N Flexin
Miami: A Culinary Dream Takes Shape
After finishing the LA marathon and learning a lot from Gary V on YouTube, Tyler came to a big realization: "I've got just one life, so I decided to go all in on my culinary dream." Fueled by the energy from his marathon success and entrepreneurial inspiration, Tyler set his sights on South Beach, Miami, with the goal of launching a hotel-style room service out of a luxury apartment complex.
Bet Against Me
Tell Me It's Not Going To Happen
"The beginning was rough, no denying that. Despite facing doubts, even from my own family, I was determined to push forward." Tyler aka: Chef T at this point drew inspiration from his scrappy underdog mentality in sports and found himself Airbnb hopping in shared rooms on inflatable mattresses. He went to great lengths to stay focused on his dream, deliberately avoiding those who were merely seeking to indulge in the vibrant chaos of Miami's party scene.
The Power Of Broke
Beach Bum Blueprint
Beach Bum Blueprint
Beach Bum Blueprint
To kickstart his culinary dream, Chef T took a bold step by leaving the shared Airbnb circus behind. Instead, he spent his days sleeping on the beach and pulling all-nighters at Dunkin' Donuts. "It wasn't just about saving money; it was a calculated risk to make things happen."
The Dunkin' Donuts was conveniently located right across the street from the apartment complex that held the key to Chef T's culinary dream. Opting for proximity over comfort, Chef T showcased his unwavering commitment to turning his culinary aspirations into a reality.
3,2,1, TRASH OFF!
Beach Bum Blueprint
Beach Bum Blueprint
Chef T secured a shared room rental in the complex within a week of the Beach Bum Blueprint, thanks to a Craigslist ad and his negotiation skills. After settling in, he created a trash valet service called "Trash Off."
His service involved taking residents garbage down the hall to the trash chute. To attract customers, he went door to door wheeling around a custom garbage can he created, selling residents on a free two-week trial in exchange for their email address.
Later, he'd send out an email to everyone, promoting his room service. This clever move underscores the power of broke, showcasing Chef T's knack for creatively leveraging limited resources for entrepreneurial success.
Whatever It Takes
Whatever It Takes
Whatever It Takes
Determined not to let anything stand in the way of his dream, Chef T took creative steps to connect with potential clients for his cooking services.
He wore custom T-shirts with pictures of his meal preps on them to upscale gyms and took massive risks sneaking around courtside at Miami Heat games to promote his brand and make connections. He was determined to put himself in situations that not only attracted attention but also opened doors for his dream to become a reality.
Whatever It Takes
Whatever It Takes
Smoothie Bike Failure
Blending Adversity
In Miami, Chef T cooked for numerous professional athletes and private families, but encountered challenges in scaling his business. To overcome this hurdle, he came up with the idea of launching a food truck business. At one point, Chef T declined an investor because he felt that the individual didn't align with the Chefin N Flexin healthy lifestyle.
Once again, Chef T had to get creative. He decided to sell bicycle-powered smoothies across the country, stopping at gyms along the way and teaming up with influencers. It seemed like a good idea on paper, but the logistics were insane. Unfortunately, the operation turned out to be a disaster and plunged him back into a financial hole.
Los Angeles (Round 2)
Shark Mentality: Never Give Up, Keep Moving Forward
When Chef T boomeranged back to LA, he rented a room off Craigslist that was more crowded than a clown car – 2 bedrooms, 11 roommates. Despite the less-than-ideal living conditions, Chef T quickly adapted. In his first week back, he landed a job at a local Thai restaurant, not as a chef or waiter, but as a busboy.
Back To Chefin
Chef T dedicated himself to the Thai restaurant but missed cooking privately. In his free time, he took on a part-time gig with a popular food delivery app, bringing meals from different restaurants to people's doorsteps. Adding a unique flair to each delivery, Chef T went the extra mile by giving customers a complimentary bottle of water, complete with information about his private cooking services, in the hopes of connecting with potential clients. And guess what? It worked!
Showbiz!
Life's A Movie
Chef T's roommate and bunkmate, a former Marine, introduced him to the film industry, highlighting its potential for increased earnings and flexibility. Inspired by these insights, Chef T set new goals, including a dream of cycling across America to redeem himself after the smoothie bike failure. Surprisingly, the Marine had already completed a cross-country bicycle tour, adding an extra layer of inspiration to Chef T's aspirations.
Chef T's work ethic, height, and athleticism became the driving force propelling his acting career to new heights. With dedication and determination, he accomplished the remarkable feat of joining SAG-AFTRA slightly over a year in the industry. This significant milestone not only marked his professional growth but also paved the way for him to start making strides in overcoming financial challenges, gradually working his way out of debt.
Covid-19
Covid Pivot
When COVID hit, Chef T faced a tough reality. With the film industry on pause and personal cooking for clients off the table, he had to pivot. Determined to stay afloat during the early stages of the pandemic, Chef T tried his hand at becoming a personal shopper. However, the experience wasn't enjoyable. Long lines for store entry and strict social distancing guidelines made it far from fun.
🚴♂️ Route 66 : LA - Chi
Pedaling For Peter
Setting out on an extraordinary journey of compassion and determination, Chef T made a decision to ride a bicycle solo from Los Angeles to Chicago, tracing the iconic Route 66. His mission was more than just a personal challenge; Chef T dedicated this adventurous ride to raise funds for his quadriplegic friend who was in need of an accessible van.
The 54 days Chef T spent on his bike, coupled with the mission to secure a van for his quadriplegic friend, turned out to be an immensely fulfilling journey. The daily grind on the road, battling through harsh weather and unexpected challenges, contributed not only to his physical toughness but also played a crucial role in shaping his mental fortitude.
Arizona
After his remarkable bike ride, Chef T confronted the reality of a locked-down Los Angeles with stringent COVID regulations. Unfazed, he carried the momentum from that bike tour, and, with a bit more credit card debt, boldly decided to relocate to Tempe, AZ. Displaying both resilience and resourcefulness, Chef T opted to share an apartment with his brother's old college roommate at a discounted rate, envisioning building up a meal prep clientele in Scottsdale.
In Arizona, Chef T elevated his fitness regimen, immersing himself in CrossFit five times a week and conquering Camelback Mountain three times per week. Prioritizing the expansion of his personal chef clientele, he sidestepped city nightlife, dedicating each day to morning meal preps and nightly janitor shifts at Whole Foods. Chef T's commitment extended further, strategically leveraging food delivery apps to supplement income and enhance brand awareness. His dedication to both fitness and career growth showcased a commendable level of professionalism.
Transformative Experience in San Francisco
In Arizona, as Chef T's lease neared its end, an unexpected twist awaited. His roommate decided to move back east, prompting Chef T to reassess his next steps. Life then took an unpredictable turn with a Craigslist job in San Francisco.
In this new chapter, Chef T played a pivotal role in assisting a 25-year-old autistic individual in an incredible transformation—losing over 90 pounds in just 5 months and maintaining it for another 4 months. This experience marked a significant and unexpected juncture in Chef T's journey, showcasing his ability to adapt and make a positive impact in various aspects of life.
Current Chapter
Chef T has entered a new chapter in Washington, striving to replicate the success he achieved in San Francisco. His current project focuses on working with a 26-year-old autistic adult, and within the first six months, notable health improvements are already evident. Chef T's commitment to making a positive impact through his culinary expertise is unfolding, showcasing his dedication to enriching lives through personalized nutrition and support, one meal at a time.
Stay Hungry
Chefin N Flexin isn't just a meal prep company; it's a testament to the power of perseverance and the pursuit of dreams. Join us on this culinary adventure, where every dish carries the flavors of a remarkable journey.