Laurie Farreau

My signature dishes are Haitian comfort foods with a healthy, flavorful twist. I love making rich soups, slow-braised meats, diri djon djon, pikliz, epis-marinated dishes, and nourishing meals packed with flavor and culture. Every meal I make tells a story from my Haitian roots while also reflecting my passion for health, family, and bringing people together through food.

My biggest culinary inspiration is my mother. Growing up as a Haitian American, I watched her cook with love, creativity, and intention every single day. She taught me that food is more than something you eat; it’s culture, healing, family, and community. Watching her cook inspired me to start sharing my own recipes online through CookingWithLaurieM, where I now connect with thousands of people through storytelling and food.

Launching my own Epis brand has been a dream of mine for years. Winning $25,000 would help me invest in the equipment, research, and resources needed to bring that dream to life while continuing to grow Cooking With Laurie M. I would also upgrade my filming equipment to create even better content that celebrates food, culture, and community. My goal is to build something bigger than a brand, something that preserves culture, brings people together, and allows me to give back through food.