My fondest memories as an adolescent, was being in the kitchen with my mom, grandmother and great grandmother. My great grandmother, whom my family dearly called, Mamo in my eyes was one of the best cooks and bakers. Seeing her passion and love that she put into her food always warmed my heart. You could taste her love in every bite. I started to cook as well as a teen but never thought I was “good enough” to pursue it as a career. 
 

I found myself married at the age of 24, a mother of two beautiful children, standing tall at 6’3 and living check to check. I spent days upon end asking myself what was I born to do. I disliked my job and dread getting up every morning to go into the office.  I was raised to be independent, outspoken and proud. Yet found myself in a marriage where I was not the woman I was supposed to be. I was down on life, had no hope, left feeling like the world was against me. This period was truly the lowest point of my life. Through it all I only experienced joy when I was in the kitchen, cooking, creating, doing what I loved. Even after being told by family and friends, how great my dishes looked and tasted. I was too afraid that I would fail if I tried to pursue this as a career. I just wasn’t good enough.                  
 

Three years ago, I decided to no longer live within constraints. I was no longer going to be held back by FEAR. I told myself I will never know my true capabilities if I do not try. I wanted to make not only myself proud but more importantly my children. So I left my husband and decided to pursue my dreams. After attending an open house and meeting the faculty at Culinary Tech, I knew this was the school I would attend. I enrolled in the night program while working fulltime during the day. It was not easy but I enjoyed every moment of it, being around like minded individuals and learning to cook all sorts of new things. I was unable to attend my graduation with my class due to getting hired as a personal chef. One of my biggest dreams. I was flown to Aruba to cook for twenty four people for a week. It was the most rewarding experience and also the hardest I have ever worked in my life thus far. 
 

Once I figured out my life’s purpose and got focused, I was unstoppable. In November of 2017, I incorporated my own business. Just like Mamos, LLC. Which is a personal chef services and catering company named in memory of my great grandmother. My mission statement is ‘Bloom where You have been planted'  No matter what your current situation is in life, use that situation and the tools it provides you. Take those tools to learn, grow and remain humble. Do not become your situation but allow it to push you to your next level of purpose in your life's journey. You will flourish and accomplish amazing things. If I didn’t go through my times of struggle and despair. I would not be the woman I am today. It’s never too late to live in your purpose.