Talk Shop: Stephanie Nass // Chefanie
ABOUT STEPHANIE
Acclaimed chef and caterer, designer, and influencer Stephanie Nass studied the culinary arts as a young woman in France and worked at some of New York’s most highly rated restaurants. After college, Stephanie began hosting Victory Club events – members-only gatherings to bring together friends of friends over the culinary and visual arts. In 2016, Stephanie launched Chefanie Sheets, an innovative dessert “accessory” to elevate any dessert. In 2019, Stephanie launched tableware and wearable accessories for home entertainers, and in 2022, she launched her homeware collection. (All of Stephanie’s goods are available at Chefanie.com and stockists worldwide.) Stephanie earned her BA in Art History at Columbia University and her Grand Diplôme in Professional Culinary Arts at the International Culinary Center in NYC. Her Instagram, @ChefanieNass, is full of chic – check it out, and we hope you enjoy our #talkshop with her!
Describe your style in three words or less:
Bold and Whimsical, but rooted in Traditional.
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
Studying art history undergraduate at Columbia was the first major influence. My friend Cassius Clay opened my eyes to new ways of looking at art, fashion, architecture, and nature. Finally, the experience of working with magazines over the course of my twenties taught me how to edit and refine my aesthetic.
How did you start your company, and/or what is your favorite thing about what you do:
Chefanie, which started as a catering business, today encompasses products, services, and media. I love the whole process of creating from ideation to completion.
What was the decision behind expanding your business into furniture?
These pieces fill holes that I experienced in the furniture market and are the natural extensions to Chefanie’s existing categories.
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
So lucky to have two excellent mentors / fairy godmothers: Rozanne Gold and Lisa Pomerantz. Their generosity, wisdom, and guidance know no bounds.
What does your home say about you:
My apartments would tell you that I value craftsmanship and beautiful materials.
Where do you find inspiration:
Old books, new books, magazines, film, Pinterest, Instagram, Madison Avenue, travel, friends, and my family.
Who are your style icons:
Ralph Lauren, Giovanna Battaglia, Joni Mitchell, Lee Radziwill, Bob Dylan.
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
Great food and wine, candlelight, beautiful tableware, music, and the best people you can possibly find.
Do you collect anything:
Green Jasperware, candle holders, cake stands, political pins, napkin rings, Passport stamps, art.
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:
@diachronique, @rebekahlowin, @becknyc, @venitaaspen
What are you working on right now:
Spring/ Summer homeware collection, made-to-order garments, and a book.
Wardrobe staples:
Jeans, turtlenecks, one-of-a-kind jackets, statement shoes, and of course a signature Chefanie basket .
Kitchen/Entertaining staples:
A trousseau of beautiful linens, a pantry full of fresh produce, gobs of beautiful candles, and a steady stash of cookie dough.
Best career advice you ever received:
Just start.
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
I invest in art and save on floor coverings.
Your greatest extravagance:
Eating out.
Favorite places to shop for home:
LiveAuctioneers.
Most prized possession and why:
My hand-carved inlaid stone coffee table.
Your entertaining motto:
Entertaining should be entertaining.
Your life motto:
The secret to having a magical life is believing you already do.
Advice for someone looking to define their entertaining style:
Notice how you’re comfortable hosting … that’s your entertaining style.
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: My mother’s kitchen.
Drink: Natural Wine (currently Dry Farm Wines).
Film: Indochine
Hotel: The Imperial Hotel in Vienna or the Rambagh Palace in Jaipur
City: New York, with Naples and Mexico City tied for second place.
Bedding: L.L. Bean
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Fortnum & Mason’s chamomile tea
Playlist: Motown
Weekend Activity: CBS Sunday Morning while jogging on the treadmill, followed by a big brunch with family and friends.
Design Book: “May I Come In?” by Wendy Goodman
