Born and raised in Traverse City, Michigan-a charming foodie town—| discovered my passion for food at an early age. Life's challenges came early, as I lost my mom at 15 and never knew my dad. These experiences forced me to grow up quickly and shaped the person I am today. My journey into the culinary world began at 17 when I started working in the restaurant industry. Over the next 20+ years, I managed several restaurants, fine-tuning my cooking skills and deepening my love for creating exceptional meals.

At 26, I made the life-changing decision to move to Florida, where my career flourished. My first job was at a well-known restaurant chain, where I gained invaluable experience and exposure to diverse culinary techniques. Starting as a server, I soaked up culinary knowledge for four months before working my way up to a managerial role. This journey helped me realize what truly brings me joy: creating food that people love. A great meal is a rare treasure, and I strive to craft dishes that make people stop, savor, and say, "Wow!"

In November 2024, I competed in the Rapid Fire Market Basket competition at the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show in Orlando. Competing alongside talented chefs and creating dishes from a selection of given ingredients was an unforgettable experience-and winning the competition was one of the proudest moments of my life. This victory inspired me to take a leap toward my dream of becoming a restaurant owner.

I recently launched my own catering business, Chef's Secret, as the first step toward my ultimate goal: owning a Michelin-starred restaurant. For me, this journey isn't about the money-it's about the joy of serving food that leaves a lasting impression. My mission is to create meals that people will remember long after the last bite, crafting dishes that are as innovative as they are delicious.

Every plate I serve brings me closer to fulfilling my dream, and I'm excited to see where this culinary adventure will take me.