TJ Dobson: The 13 Year Old Chef!
We had an interesting Q & A sit down with 13 year old chef TJ Dobson who is making waves with his cooking videos online. Here is what he had to say about what motivates him to pursue his love for cooking.
What inspired you to start your business?
I wanted young children to know that healthy cooking and eating is the way to go. I also wanted to inspire them to get involved with cooking and just love it because if I can do it they can as well.
What advice would you give to another child who wants to start their own business?
I would tell them to find where their passion lies, ensure they get a decent education and work hard at both!
What are your long term goals?
My long term goals are, promoting healthy eating, to help combat the obesity epidemic we’re experiencing in the UK and to have a huge chain of schools where I can teach children from a young age the importance of cooking using fresh ingredients, and to have a number of my own restaurants.
Bino and Fino is a cartoon that aims to educate children from all backgrounds about aspects of African history, culture and languages. What is your favourite subject at school and why?
I have lots of different favourite subjects such as; catering, business studies, geography and religious studies. I like religious studies because I like to find about other people’s beliefs and values. I enjoy cooking because when I’m in the kitchen I come alive; I get in this zone where I feel invincible. I respect ‘business’ since without appreciating this, I may not be in a position to get my chain of cooking schools for people my age. I find geography fun because I learn about different issues and cultures around the world.
Zeena the magic butterfly travels everywhere with Bino and Fino.
If you could travel anywhere in the world today where would you go and who would you go with? If I could go anywhere in the world I would go to France because I just love the people and food there, I would probably go with Michelle Roux Jnr because he knows everything about French cuisine. I’m a huge fan, as you can tell.
What words of wisdom do you think every child should grow up knowing?
Some words of wisdom that everyone should grow up knowing is ‘follow your dreams and never give up’ because if you’re a positive thinker you will always overcome those hurdles life throws your way, look on the bright side and don’t think that any dream or ambition is too big for you to achieve.
Check out this video of him teaching how to make delicious Jamaican trout :)