Growing up, food was not just a necessity; it was a lifeline woven into the fabric of my childhood. In a family of seven children, raised by a single mother who worked tirelessly as a cleaner and a security guard, I learned the importance of food early on.

My mother often returned home late at night because she tried to make something substantial for the seven of us, but as the firstborn, it was my responsibility to care for my siblings. Cooking became my way of expressing love and taking control of our household as she was barely at home. It was how I nurtured my family, a role that has shaped my identity and continues to resonate with me today.

As I transitioned into my teenage years, my love for cooking blossomed. I realised that this passion wasn’t just an obligation but a genuine joy. Cooking became my medium of expression, a creative outlet that allowed me to connect with others. I found myself dreaming of a future where I could not only cook for people but also build a successful career from it. The idea of making a profit from something I loved fuelled my confidence and solidified my career path.