Winner will appear in Taste of Home magazine, cook with Carla Hall, and take home $25,000
Certified herbalist. Home cook. Flavor enthusiast. Every dish tells a story and every ingredient earns its place.
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My signature dish is a roasted sunflower head served with bold herbs and spices. It reflects who I am as a cooking herbalist; creative, intentional, and rooted in the belief that healing food should still feel exciting.
Who is your culinary inspiration?My culinary inspiration comes from family. After my father retired early due to health issues, I watched his passion for cooking truly bloom. My grandmothers could make one pot feed a full house; after fixing my granddaddy’s plate first, of course 😂. And my maternal great-grandmother woke before sunrise rolling fresh dough for breads and cakes from scratch. They taught me that cooking is love, creativity, survival, and community.
What would you do with the $25,000?Honestly? I’d invest in creating a true brick-and-mortar space for YaMaya’s Gift; possibly with living space upstairs while the business grows. I’d hire help for daily operations, bring on an assistant, and work with a financial planner so I can build long-term wealth, not just income. I’d also help my children and put some money into home improvements. Though for a second I definitely thought y’all said 25 million 😩
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