How It Started

The first meal I can remember making was roasted chicken and vegetables when I was 14. My dad was coming to visit and I was having friends over to celebrate my birthday. I can remember looking over at my friend as he was devouring his plate and the sense of accomplishment I felt for cooking it. Several years later when I went to college I had to cook. Eating out was putting a toll on my weight and once I realized the beauty of fresh ingredients I fell in love with cooking.

After college I started working in the restaurant industry in the front of the house, thoroughly enjoying the interactions with the customers, many of whom I still consider family to this day. In my spare time I was constantly cooking for family and friends, watching every food show, and experimenting with new recipes.  I had the opportunity to cook for larger groups, my husband helping me along the way with his experience in an actual restaurant kitchen. We always brainstormed what kind of food truck we would have or how we would manage a restaurant.

One day as I was bartending, one of my regulars mentioned he was looking for a restaurant to celebrate Christmas with his family and staff. I claimed I could cook for them! Showed him photos of my previous “jobs” and the rest is now history. I started researching how to start a business as a private chef, jumped right in, and started my business as Kayla’s Kitchen. Did I know what I was getting myself into? No. Did I have any business knowledge? No. But I did just find a way to make a living doing what I love…