Name: Javon Lampkin
Age: 26
Gig: Line Cook at Prospect Restaurant

How long have you been involved in the culinary world, and what initially brought you into it?
"I started cooking in 2008. At the time I was a sound engineer and I saw cooking as another outlet to express myself. On my days off I would find new recipes and cook my little butt off. I decided to go to culinary school, which ended up being life changing."

How do you handle working in what some may perceive as a male-dominated industry?
"I don't focus on this industry as being male dominated. I believe a great cook is a great cook and his or her work will stand out regardless of sex."

How have you seen the restaurant industry evolve from when you first started?
"Now it's more accepting of young cooks."

What are your future career plans?
"My future career plans are undecided. I'm still fairly new to this industry and only time will tell."

Photographed by Molly DeCoudreaux