Jonette Naya Wantee, also known as Chef Naya J, is a Houston-based private chef and caterer. She was born in Liberia, West Africa, raised in Staten Island, NY and later moved to Olney, Maryland where she discovered her love for cooking as an adolescent.

After high school she attended Johnson and Wales University where she studied Culinary Arts and Restaurant, Food and Beverage

Management.

Chef Naya J has worked hands on in the restaurant industry as a strong line cook for over 11 years in 5-star restaurants such as Nobu, BLT Steakhouse and Momofuku to name a few. Her culinary skills and passion landed her on a national television network to compete on Food Network’s Chopped, where she was runner up finalist and has plans of competing in many more national culinary competitions.

These days, when Chef Naya J isn't spending quality time with her 4 children, she's diving headfirst into building her brand and business as a chef and aspiring restauranteur. She is currently in the process of launching her first line of spices and food products, virtually, as well as in retail locations. These products will be the first launch of many products to come from the Chef Naya J brand.