I struggled for years trying to find the right career. As a child, I had the normal dreams of being a doctor, a lawyer, and ultimately a teacher.

Four years of college changed that. It was definitely not for me. I dropped my dreams of becoming a Spanish teacher and went into the field of community corrections. I began as a case manager, was promoted to senior case manager, and then to program director. I had a successful run in this field for close to ten years, helping others transition from life behind the wall to a productive life in society. I gained so many priceless experiences and learned countless lessons, but none as prominent as this: when you get comfortable, change is inevitable. 

Day in and day out, I constantly told my clients, “Make a career out of what you enjoy doing so it doesn't seem like work!” Interestingly enough, I wasn't living my own lines! I didn't “love” my job, but I was great at it and I was comfortable. That alone was enough to keep me there until someone or something forced me out! 

Enter the inevitable. In December of 2013, I lost my job. This pivotal moment in my life caused me to reevaluate my priorities and ultimately reinvent myself. I had all these years of helping other transform themselves, now it was my turn. I loved cooking and after some thought and conversations with people whose opinions I valued, I decided to enroll in culinary school. 

I discovered a talent I never knew existed! I always cooked, but I found that I was much better at it than I ever imagined! Not only was I cooking, I was creating and I'm still learning! During this time, I knew the restaurant business was not for me as the demands of it wouldn't fit my lifestyle. However, I knew owning my own business was imperative because I no longer wanted someone else controlling my creativity or my earning potential. My husband, who was also at a crossroad in his life and needing to reinvent himself as well post incarceration, decided to join forces with me to start our own catering business. 

We wanted a name that was unique and distinct to represent our brand. “Chemistry” is what my husband and I definitely have as a unit. We balance and compliment each other in life as well as the kitchen. Using this concept about us, but switching the spelling of the word to symbolize “us,” is where “KHEM” originated as it's our initials combined. Our vision is to have “KHEMistry” as our franchise, and create several businesses starting with KHEMistry Catering as the first and soon after, KHEMistry Trucking. Through these endeavors and the ones to come, we will not only build our own dreams and create a legacy for ourselves and our children, but we will also create jobs and opportunites in underserved markets.