Today we’d like to introduce you to Raquel Ayers.
Hi Raquel, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I didn’t start my culinary journey in a traditional way—it really started at home. I grew up in the kitchen cooking alongside my dad and my grandmother, and over time, I naturally became the primary cook in my household. Feeding people has always been a part of who I am—it’s in my DNA.
The moment I realized it could be something more was when I made a cheesecake for a coworker. Within about a week, I had made over 20 cheesecakes for other coworkers and their families. That was the first time I saw how something that felt so natural to me could create real demand and bring people together.
From there, cooking became both a creative outlet and a way for me to care for others. As a wife and a mom of five, while also working full-time and pursuing my graduate degree, I had to figure out how to make meals that were both practical and meaningful. I wasn’t interested in overly complicated recipes—I wanted to create food that felt elevated but still fit into real life, especially for busy women like me.
That mindset led me to start my catering business, CookedByKel, where I began creating experiences through food—from intimate dinners to larger events. As I grew, I noticed people didn’t just want me to cook for them—they wanted to learn how to cook in a way that felt approachable and doable.
That’s what inspired me to create The Wifey Cookbook. I spent years refining it to make sure it wasn’t more than just recipes, but a guide that helps women build confidence in the kitchen and understand the “why” behind what they’re doing.
Today, my brand has expanded beyond catering into private cooking experiences and content that supports women—especially busy moms—in feeling more confident, creative, and in control in their kitchens. Everything I create is centered around making cooking feel less overwhelming and more empowering.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Balancing everything has been one of the biggest challenges—being a wife, a mom of five, working full-time, pursuing my graduate degree, and building a business all at once requires a lot of discipline and sacrifice. There were times where I felt stretched thin trying to show up fully in every area of my life.
On the business side, I’ve had to learn a lot through trial and error. Building my catering brand and developing The Wifey Cookbook took multiple iterations. I went through several versions of the cookbook before I felt like it truly reflected my vision, which was frustrating at times but necessary for growth.
There was also a point where I honestly didn’t know if I even wanted to continue catering. It’s a high-stress industry, and at the time, business was growing faster than I could keep up with. I was still figuring out how to scale, how to build systems, and how to manage that level of demand. It felt overwhelming, especially not having all the answers yet.
I ended up taking a few intentional breaks from catering, and during that time, I really leaned into developing my cookbook. That shift gave me a new perspective—I realized I could impact more people by teaching them how to cook, rather than just being the one preparing every meal myself. I could bring meals to more tables, even if I wasn’t physically in the kitchen.
Looking back, those moments of uncertainty were necessary. They helped me become more strategic, more intentional, and more clear about the direction I wanted to go. Now, everything I create is designed to support women who are juggling a lot, and to make cooking feel more manageable and empowering in their everyday lives.
We’ve been impressed with CookedByKel, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business, CookedByKel, is centered around creating elevated, real-life cooking experiences for everyday women. At the core, I offer catering services, private in-home cooking experiences, and hands-on cooking classes designed to make cooking feel approachable, not intimidating.
What I specialize in is taking comfort food and giving it a refined, elevated touch—meals that feel like home but look and taste like something special. Whether it’s an intimate dinner, a group experience, or a catered event, my goal is always the same: to create food that makes people feel taken care of.
What really sets me apart is my focus on teaching the “why” behind cooking. I’m not just focused on serving a great meal—I want people to walk away feeling confident in the kitchen. That’s a big part of the reason I created The Wifey Cookbook. It’s designed to help women, especially busy moms, learn how to cook in a way that actually fits their lifestyle.
Brand-wise, what I’m most proud of is how intentional everything is. From my recipes to my experiences, everything is built around making cooking feel less overwhelming and more empowering. I’ve created something that reflects real life—not perfection—and that’s what my audience connects with.
I want readers to know that my brand is for the woman who wants to cook, but doesn’t always know where to start or feels like she doesn’t have the time. Through my cookbook, my classes, and my services, I’m here to make it easier, more enjoyable, and something they can truly feel confident doing in their own homes.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Indirectly, yes. I’m really intentional about surrounding myself with things that keep me inspired and growing.
Podcasts like Pour Minds have been impactful for me because they show what’s possible for women who look like me and are bold enough to pursue their passions and dreams. Seeing that kind of representation keeps me motivated and reminds me to think bigger.
I also enjoy books like The 12 Week Year, To Sell Is Human, and Performance Consulting. They’ve helped me shift the way I think about time, business, and how to show up with purpose in the work that I do.
More than anything, I’m always on a personal journey to better myself—whether that’s in business, motherhood, or just life in general. Growth is really important to me.
And I can’t leave out my faith. The Bible is my foundation. It guides how I move, how I make decisions, and how I define success. That’s been a major part of keeping me grounded through every season of my journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cookedbykel.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cookedbykel/
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/Wifey-Cookbook-I-Raquel-Ayers/dp/B0GTDTT86Q
