Growing up in a culturally rich family (German, American, and Thai heritage), my love for food began in childhood. Having tacos and tamales after soccer practice with friends, making waffles from scratch with my grandfather every Sunday, and devouring every dish my mom introduced me to. I’ve since traveled to over 40 countries, discovering how food connects us across cultures. For me, cooking isn’t just a craft — it’s a way to share stories and bring people together.

I was born into a humble family in Icheon, South Korea, surrounded by good food and the memories it created throughout my childhood. I grew up in the suburbs of Atlanta, where I had a fairly eventful upbringing before eventually turning my attention toward becoming a classically trained chef. It took time to prove to both myself and my family just how serious I was about this path, so I committed years to mastering fine dining and classical cuisine in California. I worked my way through kitchens in Napa, San Francisco, and Los Angeles before returning to Atlanta—where I reconnected with my roots and met friends who inspired and encouraged me to fully embrace hospitality as my lifelong career.

I was born in California, but not long after, my family moved to Mexico. I grew up in a small town just outside Mexico City, where fresh produce was always within reach. Although my grandmother was an incredible cook, she never formally taught me, but my love for food was shaped by her home-cooked meals and our visits to the weekend markets, which always felt like a special treat. After graduating from high school, unsure of what direction to take, I landed a job as a cook and instantly fell in love with the kitchen. Despite the chaos and long nights, it’s where I feel most at home.