A Houston chef helps others break into the food industry

HOUSTON — A Houston-based private chef is using his passion for baking to help those who want to follow in his footsteps.

“I want to one day change the world with my food,” said chef Willie Holmes.

These days, Holmes’ clientele consists of celebrities and politicians, but that wasn’t always the case.

“In the first year I tried to start a business, it failed and I ended up homeless,” Holmes said.

Holmes said that thanks to the help of a few friends, he survived those difficult times. Now he’s dedicated to paying it forward.

“When someone opens the door for me, I try to get everyone in. I put out a footstool. I keep it open and say come on, we’re all in there,” he said. -he declares.

To achieve his goal, Chef Willie created a competition called “The Masked Baker.”

“What I’m trying to do is get as much notoriety for bakers of color so that they can be seen and appreciated for their hard work and rewarded for their hard work,” Holmes said.

Now in its fifth year, the competition has helped propel the careers of pastry chefs like Elaine Bailey to new heights.

“It opened so many doors,” she said. “I literally went from being a home baker to getting my food manager license, getting business insurance and getting all my ducks in a professional row.”

Chef Willie is also helping to shape the future of Houston’s dining scene through his Texas Baker’s Guild Award Foundation. This allows young students to gain direct experience.

“Little kids who aspire to be a chef one day can now see it, experience it and participate in it,” Holmes said.

The foundation also offers culinary scholarships to several students.

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