As told to Deanna Pan
What was your life like before culinary school? I was in and out of small jobs and the legal system. I had a lot of missed court dates, and I had a possession charge for a small amount of marijuana.
SEE ALSO: How to Size Up a Job Offer
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
What was your breaking point? I was into drugs and living out of my car or staying with friends when I realized I couldn’t live like that anymore. I called my dad, who works for the U.S. Department of Labor in Boston, and told him I needed to change.
Why did you decide to enroll in Job Corps? My family suggested that I look into it to learn a trade. The Shriver Job Corps Center, near Boston, would provide me with housing and a stipend, then send me to San Francisco for advanced training. I came to the conclusion that it was either jail or Job Corps.
Why choose culinary training? My grandmother is a great cook. And I put my all into my cooking, just like my grandmother.
What was your training like? I could work at my own pace, so I excelled and finished basic training quickly. In advanced training, I learned how a restaurant works. At that time I was also working at Town Hall, a Michelin Guide–rated restaurant in San Francisco. That was like graduate school for me.
How did you get your current job? I did a birthday-party gig for a restaurant owner. After the party, she asked me to come in for an interview, and I found out she wanted to open a wine bar, Pauline’s Wines.
What do you like about your job? My proudest work has been at Pauline’s Wines because it’s my own menu and I get to play with different flavors. For example, instead of duck, I use chicken thighs to make a confit. I crisp the skin and put the chicken on cremini mushrooms and kale.
How do you feel about the progress you’ve made? I have a sense of pride and strength now that I’ve worked in this industry. My name is worth something now, and it travels well. Good word of mouth is so important in this industry—that’s what gets you a job.
-
Think You Know How to Be Happy in Retirement? These 9 Stats May Surprise YouWhen it comes to your retirement happiness, don't believe everything you hear. We've turned to solid research for the facts on finding your bliss in retirement.
-
If You're Retired or Soon to Be, Don't Miss These Tax BreaksThe OBBB offers some tax advantages that are particularly beneficial for retirees and near-retirees. But they're available for only a limited time.
-
Waiting to Retire to Give to Charity? 3 Reasons to Do It NowYou could wait until retirement, but making charitable giving part of your financial plan now could be far more beneficial for you and the causes you support.
-
Amazon Resale: Where Amazon Prime Returns Become Your Online BargainsFeature Amazon Resale products may have some imperfections, but that often leads to wildly discounted prices.
-
Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2026Roth IRAs Roth IRAs allow you to save for retirement with after-tax dollars while you're working, and then withdraw those contributions and earnings tax-free when you retire. Here's a look at 2026 limits and income-based phaseouts.
-
How to Search For Foreclosures Near You: Best Websites for ListingsMaking Your Money Last Searching for a foreclosed home? These top-rated foreclosure websites — including free, paid and government options — can help you find listings near you.
-
Four Tips for Renting Out Your Home on Airbnbreal estate Here's what you should know before listing your home on Airbnb.
-
Five Ways to a Cheap Last-Minute VacationTravel It is possible to pull off a cheap last-minute vacation. Here are some tips to make it happen.
-
How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?insurance When assessing how much life insurance you need, take a systematic approach instead of relying on rules of thumb.
-
When Does Amazon Prime Day End in October? Everything We Know, Plus the Best Deals on Samsonite, Samsung and MoreAmazon Prime The Amazon Prime Big Deal Days sale ends soon. Here are the key details you need to know, plus some of our favorite deals members can shop before it's over.
-
How to Shop for Life Insurance in 3 Easy Stepsinsurance Shopping for life insurance? You may be able to estimate how much you need online, but that's just the start of your search.
