How did you discover your passion for what you do, and what opportunities have helped shape your career?

Ever since I was a toddler, I loved being in the kitchen. Instead of watching cartoons, I was that kid watching Emeril on the Food Network. I was lucky enough to attend our Culinary Arts Vocational Program during high school which gave me the foundations for working in a commercial kitchen. If I wouldn’t have attended, I don’t think I would have been confident enough for Culinary School or to work in a real restaurant.

What words of wisdom or advice do you live by?

“Someone in a bad mood can’t have a good day and someone in a good mood can’t have a bad day.” Your mindset can set you up for failure or success as soon as you wake up. If all you think about is being tired and wanting to go back to bed, you will be rushing, unfocused and miserable. If you are excited for what your day has planned, nothing can get you down. I find myself in the kitchen all the time redirecting my thoughts from “I want to go home” to “I’ve been waiting to be in this situation, in my own kitchen, running my own business my entire life.” As soon as I think about that, I’m cheerful and encouraged again.