Oscar Johnson shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Oscar, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Outside of work, spending time with my wife Kaila and son Jude brings me the most joy. All of us are home bodies, I enjoy cooking for them, eating good food, and we make the most fun out of anything. Especially with the world set up the way it is now, makes that time with my family much more precious.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Oscar Johnson. I’m a husband, father, lover of all things food, comedy, and music. Jimmy Pearls is an underground supper club dining experience that I share with my partner in flavor, Chef Daryl Cooper. We both hail from the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, where our work reflects the cuisine of the Chesapeake region, as well as an appreciation for the African diaspora. Jimmy Pearls sets itself a part from any other culinary experience because we cook whatever’s on our spirit to share with the people. Coop and I see ourselves as music artists selling their mixtapes to the masses, but with our food and our proud Virginian culture and swagger. Folks in Charlotte can catch us at places like Substrate Wine & Vermouth for our “Shuckin’ & Vibin’” oyster social, Burial Beer for some Tidewater Street Eats, and once a month up in Greenville, NC we collaborate with the McKesson family at Coffee+Spice for a “Meet&Eat” two-day brunch.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that most shaped how I see myself has been my marriage. This has been the most challenging thing that I’ve ever committed myself to, and it’s just been a giant mirror set in front of me for the 3 1/2 years. I’ve learned some real self-reflection, being honest about my behaviors, communication skills and how they impact my wife. Understanding emotional intelligence has been key for success and my self development. Everyone knows marriage isn’t for the weak, but through every tough moment Kaila and I have had together, our relationship with God has reeled us back in.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that has previously held me back in life, was the fear of putting myself out there and not feeling qualified enough for major opportunities in my career. I used to often compare my life to what others were doing, looking at my age and what should’ve been done by that time, questioning myself about what was going wrong, etc. Since then, I have cultivated meaningful relationships with people that pour into me spiritually, I’ve been maintaining a strong focus on my own vision, coming to the realization that my story is unique in its own way.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends and family would say that solid morals, values, and integrity are of the highest importance to me. You travel far in this life by having relationships that are in good standing.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I want people to tell of how I stood for everything I believed in,
no matter how uncomfortable the conversations had to be, regardless of how anyone felt about me, doesn’t matter… I also want people to know how much I’ve appreciated anything that they’ve done to build me up to be a better version of myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jimmypearls.com
- Instagram: @chef_oscar_j; @jimmypearlsclt
Image Credits
Jonathan Cooper
Louis Gilmore
