Teyana Taylor Enrolls in Culinary School, Embracing a New Chapter Beyond Music
Let her cook!
Teyana Taylor is bringing her creative talents into the kitchen, revealing on Saturday (July 12), via social media, that she’s officially begun her journey in culinary school.
The multi-hyphenate artist shared a heartwarming video featuring her eldest daughter, Iman Tayla Shumpert Jr.—affectionately known as Junie—as she celebrated completing her first day of classes.
“Went into my first day of culinary school with a banggggggg,” Taylor captioned the post.
In an emotional and candid message, Taylor opened up about how pursuing culinary arts has been a lifelong dream finally coming true.
“Cooking and baking have always been more than just hobbies for me; they’ve been my passion, my peace, my therapy,” she wrote.
She recalled her childhood memories of being captivated by the women in her family preparing meals, staying close by the kitchen while other kids played.
“Since I was a little girl, I remember being glued next to whoever was in the kitchen while the other kids played around! Watching all the amazing women in my life cook our favorite meals with so much love and joy. I must say, I definitely have a cooking-ass family—that’s where it all started. By the time I was 13 or 14, I was the ‘hood Betty Crocker’ in Harlem, baking cakes for the neighbors and anyone who asked.”
Despite a busy career, motherhood, and life’s many demands, Taylor shared that the kitchen has remained her safe haven.
“Through every twist and turn in my life and career, the kitchen has been a safe space. It’s always been a goal of mine to get my degree in culinary arts and pastry arts, but I never got around to it because of my crazy work schedule, mommy life, and simply life, life’nnnnnn. But finding my way back and going to school now is important because it’s the time where I get to show up for me.”
She described the rhythm of cooking as a source of comfort, saying, “No matter how hectic life gets, I find comfort in the rhythm of it all—the chopping, the stirring, the creating.”
Taylor expressed gratitude for finally being able to deepen her passion and transform it into purpose.
“Now, I get to take this love even deeper. I’m officially stepping into the world of culinary and pastry arts—not just as a passion, but as a purpose. I’m excited to learn, to grow, and to honor the art form that’s fed both my soul and my community over the years.”
She thanked her friend Alexis Stoudemire for introducing her to an amazing culinary school and encouraging her to take the leap, as well as her loved ones for their unwavering support.
“Turning dreams into reality hits different when you’ve been a dreamer and a prayer warrior! I’m emotional, in the best way. So grateful that our Father God, in the name of Jesus, continues to guide me and allow me to check off these goals, one by one.”
