Erik Nunley

Chef St Erik
NOCHI Class of August ‘20

“Creating memories through food”. Some of our best memories have happened around a good meal and I pride myself on bringing that experience to you.

I am Chef St Erik a Traveling Private Chef based in New Orleans, LA. I provide services from weekly in-home to vacation services. I moved from Shreveport, La, to New Orleans in January 2020  to follow my dreams and to go to culinary school and be a private chef. I spent over a decade as a Hotel executive in the hospitality field. With all this experience and knowledge from over the years, I strive to bring an unforgettable experience to my clients. My goal is to bring a “WOW” experience to every client, making sure that their expectations are exceeded.

In a year of the Corona chaos, I managed to graduate at the top of my class from New Orleans Culinary and Hospitality Institute and start and build the #1 Private Chef service in New Orleans and surrounding areas. This new career has taken me all over the U.S. and internationally.

 When I’m not in the kitchen, I spend time on the golf course with friends and writing reviews on New Orleans’s best and unknown food places as I discover its food scene.

Whitney Myers

Chef Whitney Myers
NOCHI Class of March ‘22

Whitney was initially introduced to hospitality by working in various restaurants while attending college. After earning her bachelor's degree, she spent time pursuing corporate achievements but eventually transitioned back to the food industry & entrepreneurship. 

In 2019, Whitney established Not a Bakery Company servicing the Downtown Miami area.

Amid the pandemic, Whitney relocated to Louisiana, partnered with Achroma Studio & Fine Art and curated four course private dinner experiences. She has furthered  her skills by completing professional development at New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute (NOCHI).

Chef Whitney is a second year member of JCMC, a mentorship & networking organization for black female chefs where she serves on the Membership Engagement Committee. She was the winner of the 2022 Essence Festival Coke Kitchen Local Chef Competition in New Orleans. The skirted plans to continue the pursuit of culinary endeavors through multiple facets including serving her community & advocating for women in the industry.

Clara Kelley

House Cat Bakery
NOCHI Class of september ‘22

Clara Kelley was born and raised in Iowa and moved to New Orleans at 24. Raised on healthy and low-sugar foods, sweets in the Kelley household were scarce. Clara started baking as an adult and has been on a sugar high ever since. She got a job in a bakery at 23 and loves baking so much that she graduated as the valedictorian of her Baking and Pastry cohort.

Clara founded House Cat Bakery to create specialty cookies with unexpected ingredients and unforgettable flavors.