Why is food important to me?

Growing up as the youngest of four in a household full of strong personalities, I often felt like I lived in someone else’s shadow. One sibling was the smartest, another the prettiest, and even the role of the black sheep was already taken. I was the youngest, still figuring out where I fit in.

But I eventually discovered something that felt like mine: cooking. In the kitchen, I found both comfort and purpose. Experimenting with ingredients became my creative outlet, and preparing meals turned into my personal way of expressing love. Whether it was Christmas, birthdays, or any family gathering, food became my language of care and the way I carved out an identity all my own.