The Recipe for Purpose: Mixing Passion and Heart at All Live

Starting a business has been one of the most challenging—and rewarding—experiences of my life. So, let me take a moment to share how this journey began.

About two years ago, I found myself reflecting deeply on what I wanted to be known for. What truly lit me up? What gifts and passions was I bringing into my daily life? I spent hours journaling—listing my interests, hobbies, strengths, and even the things I knew weren’t for me. I craved something meaningful. Something that felt like me.

A decade ago, I gave up coffee and several other foods and drinks, and that led me to explore matcha. I dove headfirst into the world of matcha—sampling the best, learning traditional techniques, and even studying the Japanese tea ceremony. I became known among my friends as the matcha girl, always on the hunt for the next ceremonial blend. 

I thought—why not start my own line of matcha? I did the research, built a business plan, ordered samples from Japan, and began the search for the perfect supplier and packaging. But at a pivotal moment, I hit a wall. I asked myself, Why would anyone buy matcha from me? I didn’t have an audience, no online presence, and no clear path to stand out in a saturated market. I was passionate—but I lacked purpose.

So, I paused.

I revisited my strengths, and one thing became crystal clear: I’m at my best when I’m cooking, hosting, and bringing people together. I love curating experiences—watching people savor new flavors, share stories, and connect over a meal. There’s something magical about how food becomes a language everyone understands. That realization sparked a new idea.

I decided to combine my love for cooking, entertaining, and storytelling by bringing intimate, fine dining experiences directly into people’s homes. Four-course meals, beautifully presented, complete with decor, tableware, and ambiance. My vision was simple: to bring the feeling of a restaurant into someone’s dining room, where all they have to do is show up and enjoy.

I built a business plan, formed an LLC, opened a business account, and started taking real steps to make it happen. In August 2024, I ran my first full service for my closest friends and family. Their reactions, the joy on their faces—it was everything. That night, I knew I had found my lane.

As a small business owner, I’ve quickly learned that I wear many hats. I am the chef. I am the recipe developer. I’m the photographer, the food stylist, the web designer, the content creator, and the marketer. I’m sourcing ingredients, managing budgets, coordinating events, and building a brand—often all in the same day. Every part of this business has a little piece of me in it, and that’s what makes it so personal and so fulfilling. And through it all—I still work a full-time 9-to-5 corporate job. That means every dinner I plan, every menu I test, every table I set happens in the hours before and after work. It’s a lot—but every single role is infused with love and purpose. This business is built with my own two hands, and it means everything to me.

Since then, I’ve hosted many more dinners. And while the passion is unwavering, the road hasn't been without its bumps. Navigating food allergies, sourcing ingredients in small quantities, building a digital presence, managing a website, finding mentors, and scaling the experience have all been ongoing challenges. But each hurdle is teaching me something. Each event makes me better.

I don’t know exactly where this journey will lead, but I have a vision, a plan, and a heart full of hope. If five years from now I can look back and say, “Wow, I started there”, I’ll know it was all worth it.

And this is just the beginning. One day, I hope to launch my own food product line (maybe with matcha as one of the products!), as well as a curated entertaining collection—ceramics, linens, and pieces that bring beauty and intention to the table. I dream of writing a cookbook or a coffee table book that blends recipes, stories, and the art of gathering. I hope to travel the world, learning from chefs and creators across cultures, continuing to grow, refine, and bring new inspiration back home.

Here’s to chasing the vision, staying curious, and always leaving room at the table for more.