I was born in Turkey, Bolu, where I currently reside. I grew up in a family where everyone was a cook: my mom, grandfather, siblings, and aunts. My father was a well-respected Chef in Turkey, and I envied that at a young age. I always dreamt of accomplishing something of the magnitude he has, and now that I look back over my life, even though I’m 22 years old, I’m happy with how far I’ve come.

I didn’t go to culinary school. I learned on the field. I started from the lowest strata and worked my way up to become the Chef of my own kitchen. There were many difficulties along the way, but these didn’t discourage me.

My first job in the industry was at a hotel. I didn’t know anything, and during my first week there, the kitchen Chef told me, “If you don’t learn, you will be fired!” Inspiring words, no? Then on my 3rd day, the Master who taught me about the job had a traffic accident and couldn’t come to work. I ended up serving breakfast for 600 people! Afterward, I got upgraded to Breakfast Chef. Not bad for my 3rd day.

I absolutely love to cook. I love the smells that fill the space. I enjoy constantly trying and doing different things every day. It amuses me, and when I get a thank you at the end of the day, it energizes me and fills me with more motivation to keep going. It doesn’t matter if I’m sad. As soon as I enter the kitchen, it all goes away. Everyone has a place where they belong and feel happy. The kitchen is that place for me. No matter the problems, the kitchen is my home.

Aside from my love of cooking keeping me grounded in this industry, I also have a personality that refuses to give up. It doesn’t matter if I don’t know something or how often I fall. I always get back up and continue until I learn. I also love teaching people. I’ve had many students over the 8 years I’ve been in this industry, and I’ve collected plenty of information on cooking and different techniques from many different people. That brings me a lot of joy.