Today we’d like to introduce you to Zacki Murphy.
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?
Dear Kristen,
The attached article from the “Inspiring Local Gems” section which has much detailed information about me. This is the best place to pull my bio. This article was originally published in 2018 by The Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina.
Here is a quick summary of the many hats I have worn: Raised between Chapel Hill and Hillsborough by Dr. Bob and Kitty Murphy, during this period of time I learned to catch fish from our pond, harvest our extensive garden and begin my culinary journey of preparing breakfasts for my parents (about age 5).
I attended UNC as an art education major, a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority, a homecoming queen and cheerleader. Afterwards I went straight to New York to begin a 28 year old modelling career, traveled all over the world to unique places as Iran, South Africa, Vietnam (as a USO entertainer). Lived in Paris where I was the international spokesperson for L’Oreal. Along my travels I always had a deep passion for learning about foods and hospitality from all over the world and brought them home.
I had a brief acting career in LA, attended several different culinary schools and eventually returned to my favorite city of New York which I left permanently after 9/11. In the late 1980’s I was the first woman to take Lexington style BBQ to New York city (59th and 5th). I tested this on the streets of New York via a pig cart which drew every home sick southern. About this time I also became personal friends with Martha Stewart and started working on some of early books as a food stylist and a menu planner. Eventually I opened Zackis BBQ, a tiny joint on the upper east side. Mean time somewhere in between modelling days and the restaurant I also was an image consultant. Due to a manager’s embezzlement and the passing of my parents I chose to move to Atlanta. Continued my image business, became known as Miss Manners of Atlanta – teaching etiquette I still continued my cooking career as a personal chef. With a tug to move back to home turf, I returned to North Carolina. This is where I have established myself as “Zackis Culinary Creations”.
Pre-Covid my services included seminars called “An Ancient Mediterranean Meal; Food from the time of Jesus” taught in churches and private homes. In schools, I taught “Eating4 Life; A nutrition class that involved student participation”.
Currently as a personal chef I offer small events referred to as “Cook in your Nook”, where I go into your home and prep, cook a meal and clean up. You may participate if you choose.
I also offer private culinary classes, and team building that is taught in your office or a private venue. I also like to share some of my personal experiences including information about styling, the history of food and demonstrate hospitality in all that I do.
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?
The hardest part of my culinary career were embezzlement’s, only recently I received $1000 from the manager of my pig cart. Michael was in AA and as part of his 12 step program was making immense to me. He admitted that each day he skimmed money which was easy to do in a cash business. I’m sure there was much more money taken which did not add up. We also had weather challenges, limitations with propane use, and other obstacles. Later in the early 1990’s my backer gave me $50,000 to begin the pig store adventure. They did not choose to do a business plan (so necessary) and told me to get started. There was very little money left over to open our doors. People came to this charming location and the PR I received was excellent. My backers eventually hired a new manager who they did not check out, it’s only later that I realized Harvey tried to sell my Pied-à-terre during the time daddy passed. I had given him permission to use my American Express card and you can only imagine what happened next.
The DA asked me if I wanted to come down to the New York courthouse for several more year for pending charges. A Lesson learned for this vulnerable and trusting southerner: Keep your eyes on the ball. Do not take for granted anything in business concerning other people running your business.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I believe personal success includes doing meaningful creative and useful work. As a Christian woman it means helping others, being kind and using my god given gift of hospitality….I’m still reaching for that financial stability.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.zackisculinarycreations.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zackisculinarycreations/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zacki.murphy/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacki-murphy-317901178
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@zackimurphy2985
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/zackis-culinary-creations-durham-5
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/ZackisCulinary/
