Meet Jaime Lawing of Durham

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaime Lawing.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I grew up in Durham, NC, where my love for food began at a young age. Family gatherings were always full of life, and I spent a lot of time in friends’ restaurant kitchens, which sparked my passion for cooking. Those early experiences laid the foundation for my culinary career. Though my family hails from all over, I’ve always felt a deep connection to coastal southern cuisine, which has become a key influence in my cooking style.

I pursued my education in Hospitality Management at East Carolina University, earning my Bachelor’s degree in 2008. Afterward, I moved to Louisville, Kentucky, to attend Sullivan University, where I earned my Culinary Arts degree in 2012. My time in Kentucky was incredibly formative for me. Cooking for events like the Kentucky Derby and the Breeder’s Cup provided some of the most exciting and rewarding experiences of my career, giving me hands-on exposure to high-pressure environments and top-tier culinary standards.

With over ten years of experience as a professional catering chef, I’ve specialized in boutique weddings, special catering events in higher education, and culinary consulting. While I’ve always enjoyed crafting pimento cheese, it wasn’t until the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, while living in Charlotte, NC, that my pimento cheese truly gained traction. After relocating back to Durham with my husband and our family, I continued catering events and delivering private meals, all while refining my pimento cheese recipes.

Throughout this journey, I’ve been fortunate to have the biggest support system—my family and friends—who have always motivated me, cheered me on, and jumped in to help with various events. Their unwavering support has been invaluable, and I truly couldn’t have gotten this far without them.

Today, I’m thrilled to continue this culinary journey, sharing my passion for food and the experiences that have shaped me along the way. It’s been an incredible ride, and I’m grateful for every opportunity that’s led me here.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My journey hasn’t been without its challenges, but each experience has shaped where I am today. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I was laid off from my dream job, which was really tough for a while. However, that season gave me the time to really focus on my pimento cheese business in Charlotte. It took off in ways I hadn’t expected, and it was hard to leave. We moved to Durham in the summer of 2020, and while it felt like starting over a bit, I did have the advantage of knowing a lot more people here personally.

Not long after relocating, we found out we were expecting our son, and it was a blessing to be able to spend his first year at home with him before returning to work full-time. My business is still very much part-time and by request, but getting into a commercial kitchen will be a game changer for me. I’m excited to see where this ‘passion business’ goes as I take the next step in growing it.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Here’s a more polished and concise version of your response:

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Chef Jaime’s Professional Chef Services offers a little bit of everything, with a focus on crafting delicious, memorable experiences for my clients. I’m most known for my pimento cheese, bacon jam, pepper jelly, BBQ rub, charcuterie, and more. You can find Chef Jaime’s Pimento Cheese at Jean’s Market in Apex, NC, and I’m hoping to grow into more markets soon!

What sets me apart is my deep passion for creating and crafting menus that are personalized and meaningful. I approach every dish with the intention of keeping the ‘why’ in mind—whether it’s creating something special for an important event, triggering nostalgic memories, or simply providing a creative outlet for myself. I love making food that evokes emotion and leaves a lasting impression.

As a Professional Catering Chef, I have the opportunity to offer a wide range of services, from plated meals to catering drop-offs, personal chef experiences, and more. Regardless of the format, my goal is always to deliver something unique and meaningful that truly stands out.

What are your plans for the future?
In the near future, I’m focused on expanding the availability of my pimento cheese, aiming to have it sold in several stores across Durham, Raleigh, Cary, Apex, and beyond. My Charlotte customers are eagerly awaiting its return to the area, and I can’t wait to bring it back to them.

For now, I’m enjoying the journey and thrilled to see my pimento cheese finally gaining the traction I’ve hoped for over the last five years. One day, I would love to have my own storefront or café. With the incredible support system and community I have around me, I know it’s within reach.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thechefjaime.com
• Instagram: thechefjaime
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimelawing/