My passion for cooking began at age five, trading cartoons for Emeril Lagasse and eventually earning a degree from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. After gaining experience in restaurant operations on Nantucket, I followed a calling I couldn’t ignore and moved to Charleston, South Carolina at 23.
A year later, a simple maintenance visit changed my life—I met my now-husband of nine years, Daniel. Since then, I’ve balanced my culinary career with being a wife and homeschool mom to our sons, Jeremiah (8) and Elijah (6). I left my position as a production chef at Halls Chophouse to start my own sweets business from home, originally called Sunshine Treats & Eats. But even with success, I felt something deeper stirring in me.
Through a recent Dress for Success cohort, I revisited my foundation in business and realized my true calling isn’t just to sell—but to serve. Cooking for my church, blessing nursing home residents, and delivering treats to group homes brings me more joy than any algorithm-driven hustle.
I don’t have all the answers yet, but I know this: God gave me a gift, and I’m choosing to use it to serve others with love, light, and purpose.
View this year’s Honorees, or browse our archive of previous honorees.

