Ja’Shawn Balancier was born in Slidell Louisiana and is the testament of the age old saying “it takes a village.” It wasn’t long before his parents service in the armed forces, as well as his own,  took him from state to state and even overseas. His travels contribute greatly to his love and experience in the culinary world. Despite his years away, Louisiana is the one place he calls home. After 6 years of service in the USAF, he has found himself in Austin, Tx. An Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts graduate who is elevating traditional Texas BBQ by introducing it to Louisiana flavors.

His favorite culinary experiences include seafood boils, open fire cooking, and true southern classics. But make no mistake, his love for culinary creations has no bounds.

It was in Hawaii where Chef JayB learned the intimacy of life and just how important human connection is. Much like southern Louisiana, respect and hospitality reign supreme on the islands.

Believe it or not, Prolific Creole has been 26 years in the making. It serves as a testament and a platform for the creative hustlers, the ambitious, the risk takers and truth seekers. The Prolific Story is yours as much as it is mine. So live it.

Chef Ja’Shawn “JayB” Balancier