American Faces No. 109 - Chef Jeff: A Journey of Redemption and Culinary Passion

From the Streets to the Kitchen

South Minneapolis was Chef Jeff’s stomping ground. His early life was a rough tapestry woven with street life and drugs. You could say he had it tough. Yet, even in those challenging times, Chef Jeff displayed an entrepreneurial spirit. He always sought to create a “great product.” Unfortunately, that product was drugs.

His life on the streets took a toll, leading him down a path of addiction that derailed his dreams. Eventually, he found himself in need of professional rehabilitation. It was a turning point.

In culinary school, someone stepped in and provided Jeff with the support he needed to get back on track. Perhaps it’s more accurate to say he needed a fresh start.

A New Beginning in Culinary Arts

Jeff discovered that the culinary arts offered him a chance to create a different kind of product—one that didn’t involve drugs. Becoming a chef has not only channeled his natural entrepreneurial drive but also allowed him to serve others.

Chef Jeff has a remarkable heart for helping those around him. He makes a difference in people's lives by hiring individuals for his catering business and providing delicious meals to communities facing resource challenges.

Feeding the Community

Chef Jeff provides meals at Good in the ‘Hood programs. That’s where our paths first crossed. His meals are a true gift. I’ve witnessed people laugh and share stories as they enjoy Chef Jeff’s food, experiencing the love baked into every bite.

Jeff's mom, like most mothers, believes her son is a true hero. She once said, “You always want to put a cape on.” Little did she know, Jeff's superpower lies in creating incredible food. His cape? An apron he wears proudly while serving others.

A Father-Daughter Bond

Let me also share a bit about his daughter, Amber.

While Jeff navigated the chaos of his younger years, Amber became his inspiration to move forward. They often reflect on the challenges they faced to reach a point where they could work together. Jeff’s tumultuous past and poor decisions caused a lot of hurt for Amber. However, years later, with a lot of love, they see their relationship being redeemed as the business Chef Jeff built flourishes—father and daughter collaborating. Their Christian faith is intertwined with their business, guiding how they prepare and serve every meal.

Transformation and Healing

True transformation is at the heart of who Chef Jeff has become. This change was essential for restoring his relationship with Amber. Grace fills their bond and the essence of their business. Together, they have experienced healing and hope to extend that to others—providing second chances and a platform for others to launch their dreams.

Through the hardships this father-daughter duo has faced, they have become difference-makers. They’ve learned to create second chances—for each other and for others.

The Power of Second Chances

Life is not always easy. We all need second, third, or even fourth chances. Who in your life could use another chance from you? Be a hero for someone. Forgive when it’s tough. Offer grace without expecting anything in return. You might just open a door and change a life.

Photos and story by: Nielsen Studios

Editing by: Scott Whitman

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American Faces #108 - Go fly a kite - No.2

American Faces No. 108

What do sailing, adventuring, quilting and sewing have in common? The answer is kites!  Not just any kites, but kites designed, sewn and flown by Barb M. of Maple Grove, Minnesota. Barb is the second Go fly a kite subject in my American Faces series.  She is an adventurous person with an inclination for travel. A love for sailing with her husband was a part of that adventurous attitude for Barb. From sailing, her love for adventure and creative outlets drew her to flying kites and to making kites as well as creating patterns for kite companies to use her intricate designs. During our time together I was able to see how her quilting and sewing background gave form to her airworthy creations through mathematical precision and an artistic eye. She has traveled the world flying kites, meeting other makers and making friends who have the same heart for all things kites.

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Her kites are not just eye-catching. They fly with ease and brought an uncanny peace as I watched them dance gracefully, tail and all, through the air, high above the ground. While her kites might not have a Disney character on them they still bring out a child-like enjoyment for those watching from ground level. Bright colors, intricate designs and mid-air tricks entertain those planted to the earth.

Adult concerns can sometimes hold us to the ground, so-to-speak. So maybe if we would just go fly a kite we could lose those concerns for a while by watching a beautiful kite made by a maker like Barb. Or maybe even buy yourself a Spiderman or ladybug kite and try to fly it.   I am confident it will make you squint as you gaze into the sky and smile as you pilot your own kite and maybe even bring a smile to another onlooker. Have some fun, go by a kite and maybe even take another person. Barb would say, “Pick a kite you truly love. If it means something to you you’re more likely to invest the time into it.”

So with that, “Go Fly a Kite” as my mom would say to me. It will make you smile, maybe even laugh. Oh and it will be good for you and others!

Photos and story by: Nielsen Studios 

Editing by: Cristine Nielsen

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American Faces #107 - Go fly a kite - No.1

American Faces No. 107

I guess as a 55 year old commercial photographer I am regressing into my childhood.  Stay with me on this though.  I’ve always thought kites were fascinating, cool and attention grabbing, no matter how simple or ornate, from as young as I can remember. Here’s where a man named David H. who makes wonderfully simple kites comes into the story.  David is a calm demeanored, inviting and talkative man who lives in Minnetonka, Minnesota; the very place he worked for decades as an elementary school teacher.  This 80+ year old man is still a teacher at heart as he has taught children and adults alike to make kites that not only fly well but allow for creative expression to whatever one's mind can create.  

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David’s kites aren’t made from silk, nylon or some high level sail cloth with a hefty cost; they are made from plastic bags found in the Minneapolis metro area.  There are many colors of bags that each kite builder can choose from in the kite kits David assembles.  Each kit has  dowels, string, and all the necessities to bring structure and make the kites flight ready.  I could sense the old educator in this soft spoken man.  He told me about the flight properties of what he calls a sled kite as well as guided me through the kite making process step-by-step. He showed me patterns of dragons, unicorns and other line drawings to suit just about anyone's fancy. Along with kite kits, markers are provided to add individuality and artistic touches to your kite at David’s kite making workshops. He talked of his times with people young and old, groups that were large and small who came to the workshops he has been asked to lead all around Minnesota. I could hear his joy as he told me about people building kites, creatively embellishing the kite and then flying them.

Kites are just fun and even simple kites can put a smile on people's faces no matter  if they are 20 feet off the ground or one hundred feet high into a bright blue sky.  David, now well into his 80’s has helped mold the lives of many people by being an educator, kite maker, workshop leader and just a good guy.  

So how do I close this one?  Go have fun!  Take your daughter, son, nephew, niece, grand-daughter, grandson, friend or neighbor and go fly a kite.  Laugh and just live.  Pretty sure you won’t regret it. I promise.

Photos and story by: Nielsen Studios 

Editing by: Cristine Nielsen

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