Fascinated by tastes and smells of her grandmother’s cooking, Charlene Johnson-Hadley began her journey with food baking for fun and family. Later when others chose tradional routes to forge their way to success, she followed her passion studying at the presgious French Culinary Instute, posioning her to work and mentor with renowned culinary masterminds, like Waldy Malouf, Annie Wayte and Nils Noren.
Charlene's career has taken her to some of NYC’s most celebrated culinary venues – 202, Nicole’s, Red Rooster – to name a few. In 2012, she pioneered Marcus Samuelsson Group’s unique culinary partnership with The Lincoln Center, as Chef de Cuisine. In recent years, Charlene has served as consultant, Execuve Chef, and educator for non-profit organizaons in NYC. This mother of two’s features include: NYTimes, Jet Magazine, Mother Jones, and Taste.
Charlene’s latest venture, NYCEITUP, her lifestyle brand is the ideal blend of her love of food, art, and fashion. She resides in Brooklyn, New York.