Rena Hairston’s extraordinary journey to becoming Floyd Mayweather’s personal chef is a testament to the strength of positive intention, determination, and faith. Her path to success, marked by setbacks and challenges, shows how perseverance and belief in a higher purpose can open doors, even in the darkest moments.
Rena’s love for cooking wasn’t always her primary career goal. She originally began preparing home-cooked meals for the girls in her group home, inspired by the desire to create a sense of family. Her journey took a dramatic turn when a friend saw her talent and helped her finance a special meal for boxing legend Floyd Mayweather. With that support, Rena created a signature seafood platter, popcorn without kernels, and glow-in-the-dark grapes, excited to showcase her skills to Floyd.
However, the night didn’t go as planned. Rena brought the food to a local skating rink where Floyd was spending the evening. But, rather than trying it on the spot, Floyd took the food to the club. With no immediate feedback Rena left the rink feeling defeated. Heading home from the rink her car broke down on the freeway, and in that vulnerable moment, she cried out, “Lord, have You given up on me?” The weight of her struggles seemed overwhelming and disheartened.
A week passed with no word from Floyd, and Rena wondered if all her hard work had been for nothing. But just when hope was fading, she received a life-changing phone call. Floyd’s team reached out to tell her that he had tasted the food and called it the best meal he’d ever had. In fact, he was so impressed that he wanted her to become his personal chef—a dream realized after what seemed like a lost opportunity.
Rena’s story is not only about her culinary talents, but also her personal battle with health. A diabetic, she once faced the terrifying possibility of having her left foot amputated. The fear of losing her left foot became a turning point, inspiring her to transform her life. Through self-care, hard work, and dedication Rena lost over 125 pounds, going from 300 pounds to 175. Her journey became about more than just weight loss—it was about reclaiming her femininity and falling in love with herself again.
Now, Rena is a passionate advocate for women embracing their femininity and self-love. She believes that today’s society has lost touch with the grace, elegance, and kindness that define true femininity. As a celebrity chef and motivator, Rena helps women reconnect with these values, reminding them to nurture their own well-being.
Rena has big plans for the future, including writing a book to inspire others to take control of their health, love themselves, and embrace life fully. She also plans to release three cookbooks: Copycat Recipes from the best fast food places,& top restaurants titled: “Thieves”, featuring at-home versions of popular restaurant dishes; Celebrity Favorites, showcasing the beloved meals of the stars she’s cooked for; and “Old School Cooking” pays tribute to the beloved recipes of Mildred Riley, blending her classic culinary traditions with a fresh, modern twist. This collection revives her timeless dishes with innovative updates, ensuring they continue to inspire new generations of home cooks. Each recipe reflects the warmth and heart of Mildred’s kitchen, combining old-school comfort with contemporary flavors. Perfect for those who cherish tradition but aren’t afraid to try something new, this cookbook honors her legacy while adding a dash of creativity to every dish.
Additionally, Rena is developing a line of seasonings called The Pack of Punch, designed to elevate home-cooked meals with bold, dynamic flavors that can transform even the most basic dishes into delightful culinary experiences.Alongside these projects, she is working on The Stingray & The Bully Shark, a children’s book aimed at teaching kindness and empathy. Rena continues to lead by example, motivating others through her story of perseverance, faith, and positive intention.
For tips and tricks from the fabulous Rena, visit her socials and follow her uplifting journey!
https://www.instagram.com/chefrae_ofvegas