Jasmin Simmons: Rooted in New Orleans, Inspired by Hospitality

For Jasmin Simmons, culinary school wasn't a lifelong plan. It was an opportunity that arrived exactly when she needed it most.

After being let go from her role as an executive director, she found herself asking a simple but life-changing question: What are the things I've always wanted to do but never had time for? At the top of that list was culinary school.

She had originally hoped to enroll the previous summer, but when January arrived, so did the right moment. Having already discovered the New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute through its Learning Skills for Life program, NOCHI felt like the natural place to take the next step.

"I wanted a strong culinary foundation to continue building on my journey to opening my own restaurant," she says.

Born and raised in New Orleans East, Jasmin has always understood that food is about much more than what's on the plate. It's about community, celebration, family traditions, and creating spaces where people feel welcome.

That understanding deepened through years of bartending and her experience in NOCHI's Learning Skills for Life program, where she discovered that hospitality itself is an art form. Pairing that passion with professional culinary training was the perfect combination.

Growing up, Jasmin also witnessed firsthand how Hurricane Katrina changed New Orleans East. Many of the neighborhood restaurants, grocery stores, and gathering places that once brought families together never returned. Today, that reality fuels her long-term vision.

She dreams of helping restore those experiences by creating a restaurant where people can celebrate life's milestones or simply enjoy a great meal close to home.

"I want to bring back the joy of getting dressed up and going out to dinner in New Orleans East."

Throughout the program, Jasmin found herself most energized during banquet production.

"Banquets, because we literally could do whatever we want," she says. "We get to be creative and put into practice everything we're learning."

As someone who thrives through hands-on experiences, she appreciated the opportunity to immediately apply new techniques in real-world settings. That love of experiential learning continued during her externship at Dooky Chase's Restaurant, where she jokes she was "living my Princess Tiana dreams."

While the classroom challenged her creatively, balancing school with the rest of her life proved to be the greatest test.

For six months, Jasmin spent long days moving directly from school to her job as a hostess at Miss River, often with only an hour between the two. The demanding schedule meant she saw far less of her five-year-old daughter than she wanted.

"It was a sprint, but also a marathon," she says.

Still, she viewed the experience as an opportunity to teach her daughter what perseverance looks like.

Rather than becoming discouraged, her daughter embraced her mother's journey, offering honest critiques of her cooking and eagerly participating whenever she could.

"She loves doing whatever I'm doing," Jasmin says with a smile.

Perhaps the biggest surprise of all was discovering just how much she was capable of.

"I surprised myself," she reflects. "I can't believe I did this."

Despite sixteen-hour days and competing responsibilities, she maintained excellent grades while protecting her energy and staying focused on her goals.

Jasmin's dedication and positive impact on those around her did not go unnoticed. During graduation, she was named the recipient of the Ti Adelaide Martin Hospitality Hero Award, an honor presented to the student who best exemplifies the spirit of hospitality throughout their time at NOCHI. Chosen by faculty and staff, the award recognizes a student who consistently leads with kindness, professionalism, generosity, and a genuine commitment to serving others. For Jasmin, whose passion for hospitality extends far beyond the kitchen, the recognition was a meaningful affirmation that the way she cares for people is just as important as the food she creates.

Looking ahead, Jasmin hopes to join one of New Orleans' premier restaurant teams, where she can deepen her expertise in fine dining before opening a restaurant of her own. At the same time, she plans to continue pursuing the passions that keep her grounded: dancing, building community, and spending as much time as possible cuddling her daughter.

For Jasmin, culinary school wasn't simply about learning techniques. It was about proving to herself that she could pursue a dream without sacrificing who she is.

And as she prepares for the next chapter, she's carrying with her more than knife skills and recipes. She's carrying the confidence, resilience, and foundation to create the kind of restaurant and community that inspired her journey in the first place.