Katie Williams
Co-founder/Chef

I am the founder and partner of Chef's Collective, as well as the owner of Spiced! Culinary Creations.

A Charleston native, I graduated from Le Cordon Bleu in Portland, Oregon, and the College of Charleston in South Carolina. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working at Michelin-starred restaurants in New York, as well as a number of top-tier establishments in Charleston. I’ve also had the honor of serving as head chef at a remote Alaskan lodge. My travels have taken me from Thailand and Cambodia to Morocco and Central America, where I immersed myself in diverse cultures and cuisines. These rich experiences have shaped my approach to food, from traditional American dishes to global flavors.

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After over a decade in kitchens, I decided to launch Spiced! Culinary Creations in my hometown, where I love sharing my culinary expertise through private dinners and in-home cooking demonstrations.

At Chef's Collective, I am thrilled to bring together my international and American culinary knowledge and offer you a truly unique dining experience!

Andrea Pharis
Co-founder/pastry chef

I’m a partner at Chefs Collective and the owner of AP Flour Dessert Co. My journey in the culinary world started early—I’ve been in the hospitality industry since I was 15, and I’ve never looked back. Baking has always felt like second nature to me, and I was lucky to hone my skills with Great Harvest Bread Co., Highland Bakery & Bold American Events in Atlanta before moving to Charleston.

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For six years, I managed the pastry department at Cru Catering, an experience that shaped my career and introduced me to incredible people. One of them was Katie Williams, who later shared her vision for Chefs Collective with me. I knew immediately that I wanted to be part of it.

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At Chefs Collective, I’m excited to combine my love for baking and teaching. I believe that great food should be both precise and creative, and I encourage that balance in my classes and in the kitchen. There’s nothing better than sharing what I’ve learned and seeing others find joy in the process.

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When I’m not in the kitchen, I’m spending time with my wonderful family—my husband and our two amazing kids.

James Neal
Partner/ Chef

Growing up in Charleston, South Carolina, I realized early on that my purpose in life is to bring people together through food. “Some of life’s most intimate moments happen when friends, family, and even strangers gather around a table to share a meal.”

This passion drove me to New York City, where I immersed myself in the city’s world-famous and diverse food scene. Over the past 15 years, I’ve had the honor of learning from some of the city’s most acclaimed chefs, including John Fraser at the Edition Hotel, Dan Barber at the Michelin-rated Blue Hill, and David Bouley at Bouley.

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I am the Executive Chef of Diety Events in Brooklyn, New York and I’ve had the privilege of working in some of New York City’s most renowned kitchens, and now I’m bringing that expertise to teach you here at Chef's Collective.