Her Story
About Janelle
Janelle Suriel is the Founder and Executive Chef of Marvelous Meals by Chef Girl Janelle, a Metro Atlanta catering company dedicated to creating memorable experiences through food, hospitality, and fellowship. With a passion for bringing people together, Janelle provides private chef services, corporate catering, weddings, brunches, charcuterie displays, meal preparation, and customized culinary experiences. Her culinary background reflects her Dominican roots, while her menus incorporate Caribbean, Southern, Italian, Asian, and American influences.
Janelle launched her catering business with her mother and spent several years building it while also managing properties before transitioning to entrepreneurship full-time in January 2026. Her work has included serving corporate, healthcare, community, ministry, residential, and private clients, with notable events for Piedmont Hospital, Chase Bank, and the Newton Chamber of Commerce. She is also a member of Women of Douglasville and the Newton Chamber of Commerce and holds a ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification, reinforcing her commitment to food safety, quality, and professional hospitality.
For Janelle, food is more than a profession—it is a passion, a ministry, and a way to serve others. She describes her approach as being spirit-led, staying true to herself, and creating experiences that bring people together. Her culinary specialties include Dominican cuisine as well as Thai, Vietnamese, and Jamaican dishes, including favorites such as Thai egg rolls, Thai and basil fried rice, and Jamaican Rasta pasta. Looking ahead, Janelle hopes to establish a nonprofit soup kitchen that will allow her to extend her passion for food and service to families in need.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Janelle
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my passion for cooking, the foundation my late mother gave me, and the courage to pursue my dream full-time. I began cooking at age five and have built my catering business around creating memorable, immersive dining experiences rather than simply serving food. Leaving my 9-to-5 job allowed me to focus fully on my business, serve clients such as Piedmont Hospital and Chase Bank, and work toward my long-term goal of establishing a nonprofit to help families in need.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to never allow the world to change or taint who I am. I believe in being uniquely myself, staying true to my values, and remaining authentic throughout my career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to be yourself. God created only one version of you, so stay true to who you are and your values. Don’t let the pressures and influences of the World Wide Web define you; instead, remain confident in your own identity and path.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are being spirit-led, serving God, and serving others through food and meaningful experiences. I strive to stay true to who I am while leading with love, generosity, and a genuine desire to give back to others.
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