Today we’d like to introduce you to Carlos Serrano.
Hi Carlos, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in Southern California in a Mexican-American family where food was a big part of how we connected. Cooking became something I naturally loved — not just the flavors, but how food brings people together across cultures and backgrounds.
After moving to Kansas City, I started cooking for others — and before long, The Makeshift Chef was born. My wife and I now run the business together, offering in-home meal prep, private dinners, and cooking classes. At the core of it all is a passion for serving people through culturally inspired, nourishing meals that feel both intentional and personal.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not. Starting a business from scratch, especially in a service-based industry, comes with a lot of learning curves. There were seasons of financial stress, juggling side gigs, and figuring out how to price my services in a way that honored both my time and the value I bring. There were moments of doubt, slow seasons, and a lot of trial and error along the way.
Becoming a dad in 2024 has also brought new challenges and perspective. Balancing fatherhood and entrepreneurship isn’t always easy, but it’s made my “why” even clearer. Through it all, faith has been my anchor. Trusting God’s timing and provision — even when things felt uncertain — has carried me through every high and low. I’ve learned to lean in, stay patient, and keep showing up.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The Makeshift Chef is a personal chef service based in Kansas City that I run alongside my wife, Mallory. We specialize in weekly in-home meal prep, private dinners, and cooking classes — all tailored to the needs of each client and rooted in bold, fresh flavors. Whether we’re helping a busy family eat well during the week or curating a special dinner party experience, we aim to make food feel personal, nourishing, and stress-free.
What sets us apart is the level of care and customization we bring to every client. No two menus are the same — we take the time to understand dietary needs, preferences, and lifestyle so that each meal feels like it was made for you. We’re not just dropping off food — we’re building relationships through food.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of how it feels. People tell us all the time that The Makeshift Chef feels like a mix of warmth, intention, and professionalism — and that’s exactly what we’re going for. We want our clients to feel cared for, seen, and excited about mealtime.
At the end of the day, it’s about helping people reclaim their time and eat well without the stress. Whether you’re looking for weekly meals, a private chef experience, or just want to elevate how you eat — we’re here to serve.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I don’t really see it as luck — I see it as God’s timing and a whole lot of hard work. One of the biggest breaks in my journey came when Robin Krause, the CEO of Billie’s Grocery, gave me my first opportunity as a cooking instructor. That experience gave me confidence, exposure, and the push I needed to step more fully into this work. I’ll always be grateful to her for believing in me early on.
I never went to culinary school, but I’ve poured everything I have into my craft — and I’ve stayed hungry to learn. I’ve been blessed to work alongside some incredible chefs, and I’ve made it a point to sit at their feet, listen, and soak up as much as I can. That willingness to stay teachable has shaped me just as much as the hands-on experience.
At the end of the day, it’s been a mix of grace, grit, and community. I’m beyond thankful for the people who gave me a shot when I was just starting out — and for every opportunity that’s come from showing up with passion, consistency, and a heart to serve.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.themakeshiftchef.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeshiftchefcarlos/
