My mom likes to tell me that I’m just like my dad — I don’t like being told what to do and I can’t work for anyone but myself (and on most days not even that). 

When my dad signed his first client for his own construction business (which he had to start because he punched his previous boss), he knocked down the wall and opened his book on “How to Fix Electrical Outlets” to page 1. What could possibly go wrong? 

This is the kind of energy I like to bring to cooking! It’s also why I’ve quit every job I’ve ever had until this one (hopefully).

So now you know where the saltiness comes from and as for the vegetarian, my mom and dad had a bit of a hippy stage. They even named my sister “Autumn Meadow” (seriously). But my mom was always forced to eat meat growing up that wasn’t cooked well and served with ketchup. When she started working at a health foods store she realized there were better options and loved the freedom and creativity that came with cooking vegetarian. 

I didn’t enjoy cooking or baking growing up, but as a necessity to eat cheaply in college, I started cooking and found I had a real passion for it years later. 

There are many people I find inspiration from, but watching my oldest sister Autumn cook a delicious meal for 10 people at once or my mom planning the week ahead, I realized I wanted to be in the kitchen myself. 

I would say I’m so happy that you’re here but that’s too mushy. So to keep it salty, what took you so long to get here, huh?