CHEF MARQUIS ASH
CEO
"Ash named the company in memory of his mother, and determined to bring integrity and love and happiness to all those he serves."
Early Life
Born as Marquis Ash on September 13, 1983 in Brooklyn, NY, Ash started working in the kitchen of Second Olivet Missionary Baptist Church, Syracuse, NY. Under the tutelage of Josephine Brunson, Ash assisted his church in feeding the hungry in the community on Tuesdays and Thursdays. "I was young, helping Sister Brunson in the kitchen of Second Olivet Baptist Church, most likely because I was misbehaving in school," Ash told KMAX Gospel radio. "Sister Brunson was an angel to me: she fed everybody and anybody who was hungry, and people stopped by to see her almost daily. I thought, that's what I want to do." A job as a Nutritional Aide at Crouse Irving Hospital, Syracuse, NY, at age sixteen further broadened Ash’s culinary horizons.
Ash is an alumnus of Marist College, Newark, DL, where he studied Business Administration, and Southern University, Baton Rouge, LA, where he studied Business Administration and Psychology. After completing his scholastic work at Southern University, Ash relocated to Atlanta. Ash matriculated at Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, where he was conferred with doctorate degree in the field of Psychology.
Distinguished Chef/Celebrity Protective Services Specialist
In 2014, Ash began working at CieneBistro, Atlanta, GA, where he worked as a Marketing Cook and also as a Celebrity Chef. On February 12, 2014, Ash suffered the loss of his greatest inspiration, his mother Sheila Gwendolyn Ash. In that same year, reflecting on the years of wisdom and strength provided by his mother, Ash founded “Gwendolyn’s Kitchen”. Ash named the company in memory of his mother, and determined to bring integrity and love and happiness to all those he serves. Gwendolyn’s Kitchen serves celebrities, community organizations, and the general public. Among Gwendolyn’s Kitchen’s rich portfolio, is its’ present project with Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA.
From the Second Olivet Missionary Baptist Church to CEO of Gwendolyn’s Kitchen, Ash has well over twenty years of experience in the Culinary Arts. Ash is not only a Master Chef, he is also a Celebrity Protective Services Specialist. Ash has provided protective services for the infamous Steve Harvey during the Neighborhood Awards. Ash has also provided protective services for VH1, most notably for Love & Hip Hop.
Ash is a dedicated member of the Vision Cathedral of Atlanta, pastored by Bishop Oliver Clyde Allen, III. Ash is also a proud father of three and presently resides in Atlanta, GA.