I grew up in a house where food was everything—we were always talking about what to eat next. I got my start as a baker’s apprentice at Haute Cakes Caffé in Costa Mesa, and that’s where I fell in love with baking. From there, I worked my way through some of Newport’s top kitchens, including Wolfgang Puck and Aubergine on Lido Island, where I gained hands-on experience with French-style desserts and learned as I went. I went on to help open Pacific Whey Baking Company, and when Whole Foods Market came to Costa Mesa, I jumped at the chance to blend my love of baking with learning the business side of food.

Around that time, a friend asked if I’d want to take over a little French café in Belmont Shore. It had been closed for a while but still had a loyal local following, so I leaped. We served bistro-style breakfasts, lunches, and catered events. It was a ton of work, but so rewarding to build something centered around food and community.

When I got pregnant, we sold the café so I could focus on family. But I never stopped cooking, catering here and there, hosting parties, and over time, falling in love with home staging and kitchen garden design.

Today, I focus on Table Manners Meal Prep, where I craft wholesome, seasonal meals that nourish the body and bring families together. Food should be healthy, fun, and stress-free- especially when it’s shared with loved ones around the table. I help busy families simplify mealtime with nutritious, family-style dishes, using organic ingredients and seasonal flavors.