Suvechha Sarkar
When season 5 of Fox’s ‘Next Level Chef’ first introduced Cole Lawson as one of the professional chefs, it quickly became clear that she wasn’t there to merely compete but rather to leave an impression. From the beginning, she stood out with her culinary instincts, calm demeanor, and incredible creativity, transforming the simplest ingredients into elevated dishes. For several weeks, she thrived under the pressure of the competition’s intense time constraints. However, occasional missteps pushed her into nerve-wracking elimination cook-offs. Yet she never gave up, helping her return as a stronger chef. Cole’s consistency and determination eventually helped her become one of the Finalists alongside Darian and Connor and ultimately become one of the runners-up.
Cole Lawson Has Made Her Mark in the Digital Marketing Industry Over the Years
Before stepping into the spotlight, Cole Lawson endured a journey marked by hardship and resilience. Despite a tumultuous childhood, she never let it define her career. In 2013, she earned an Associate of Science degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, Medical Technology, and Technologist from the George Washington University. Three years later, she attained a Bachelor’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communications at National University. Cole’s professional trajectory began when she joined the US Navy as a Medical Lab Technician in July 2011 and continued working there until September 2015. One month later, she joined SIGNFLOWS as a Digital Marketing Specialist before moving on in May 2017.
While working there, Cole became an Executive Assistant and Social Media Manager at Hydroponic Research in November 2016. Simultaneously, she served briefly as a Contributing Writer intern at Hello Perfect from December 2016 to March 2017. By October of the same year, she assumed the role of a Managing Editor at Sugar Magazine, LLC. Eventually, Cole left Hydroponic Research and Sugar Magazine, LLC in March and June of 2018, respectively. Around that time, she developed her own business, The Resilient LLC, through which she offered therapy sessions, life coaching, energy healing, retreats, and workshops. In October 2021, Cole became Account Manager – AT&T Dream in Black at the 360 Agency and the Production Assistant at MVD Inc.
At the 360 Agency, Cole rose through the ranks to become a Digital Marketing Strategist, Social Media Manager, and Digital and Influencer Marketing Strategist before moving on in April 2023. Similarly, her incredible skills in the field helped her climb the corporate ladder at MVD Inc, becoming a Social Media Manager and Production Coordinator. In addition to continuing to work at that organization, Cole worked at Biscuit Filmworks as a Freelance Production Coordinator for a month in July 2022. She has also been serving at We The Urban as a Digital and Social Media Marketing Strategist since August 2020. Furthermore, she continues to expand her experience as a Digital and VIP Manager at DISRPT Agency, where she joined in February 2023.
Cole Shares Her Heritage Through Her Initiative and Growing Online Presence
For Cole, food has always been deeply tied to her identity and personal transformation. It is influenced by the diverse origins of her family from Louisiana and California. For about 8 years, she followed a plant-based lifestyle as part of her wellness journey, which paved the way for her to prepare it professionally for others. Cole began working as a Private Chef and Culinary Consultant. It helped her build a client list ranging from athletes and brands to multiple companies and postpartum mothers. In 2026, Cole dedicated herself to reimagining Black American cuisine and launched her own initiative, The Black Food Canon.
Through the venture, Cole aims to explore how food preserves culture, generational history, and memory. As of writing, she continues to share her culinary journey with more than 40.9K followers on Instagram. On her page, Cole not only shares recipes and moments from her time on the competition but also utilizes it to promote her personal website. Through the website, she showcases her services, including recipe development for brands and individuals, private dining and events, culinary consulting, creative partnerships, and speaking engagements. Additionally, Cole offers one-on-one sessions for her clients, combining food philosophy, cooking, and personal guidance.
Cole also maintains a Substack account, named The Potlikker Post, where she regularly shares new recipes. Currently, she is represented by Renegade Talent Management. In December 2025, she collaborated with her former competitors, Amber and Machete, to make a keto chicken pizza. By April 2026, Cole traveled to Florida to help her friends, Gabrielle and Amber, organize a large dinner event, during which they served a menu they had developed over two weeks. The event drew 40 guests and sold out overnight. By the following month, Cole joined hands with the energy company, Nature & Nurture, for the Sol Day on May 17, where the guests were treated to a specially curated food menu by her.
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Cole’s World Revolves Around Her Loved Ones and Adventures
Behind Cole’s growing success in the culinary world, she leads a personal journey shaped by love. Over the years, she faced her share of emotional turmoil, which helped her become a humble and grounded person. One of the people who has significantly shaped her life is her aunt, Elycia, who raised the contestant in her younger years. Their bond was highlighted further when her aunt expressed her pride in Cole during the Semifinals. The chef also shares an incredible bond with her mother, Tiphany Boissiere, who never misses an opportunity to show her love for her daughter. Aside from that, another major part of Cole’s life is dedicated to the love of her life, Dash. Together, the couple often sets out to explore beautiful corners of the world, making lifelong memories.
In August 2023, Cole enjoyed the exotic landscapes of Bogotá, Colombia, followed by her romantic birthday trip to Bali, Indonesia, with Dash in December of the same year. By September 2024, they jetted off to San Pedro, Belize, and Paris, France, in September and October of 2024. In January 2025, the pair enjoyed their time observing wildlife in Chiang Mai, Thailand, before heading to Osaka, Japan, one month later. Beyond this, Cole fosters a deep affection for her furry pups, including Azulu Ting Lawson. However, she faced a massive heartbreak when Azulu unexpectedly passed away on February 21, 2024. She has been gradually working on healing her heart, which often takes her to the beach, where she can embrace the soothing sounds of the waves. From time to time, Cole loves reconnecting with her fellow contestants from the show.
