Meet Our Members
Wondering where to find a lot of culinary talent under one roof? Look no further than our current members!
Stephanie grew up in Merritt Island, FL and has lived a plant-based existence since 2014. She earned a Master of Science in Finance from the University of Florida. She has work experience in finance, sales and has held various positions in the food industry. In 2018 she launched a food truck, specializing in vegan southern-fried comfort food. During the pandemic she pivoted to creating a frozen line of a plant-based protein called seitan for grocery stores and restaurants. In her free time, Stephanie loves climbing, hiking, biking, and volunteering in the community.
Juan Alberto and Taylor Rose have a combined 28 years’ experience in the culinary field. Together, they can create a culinary experience catered directly to your needs. Albert and Taylor strive to use the freshest local ingredients and draw inspiration from what is available and in season. From menu development and restaurant design, to coursed dinner parties and classes, these two can make your food dreams a reality! Together they have created the perfect hot sauce, that will soon be a pantry staple in every home.
After a life changing health scare in 2023, Whole5’s creator set out to rethink wellness from the ground up. Frustrated by antioxidant products filled with synthetic additives and a healthcare system that overlooks nutrition, Whole5 was created. A pure, whole food solution rooted in nature. Made from five carefully sourced, minimally processed ingredients, it delivers powerful antioxidant support in a simple, once a day powder. More than a product, it’s a philosophy: real nutrition, real results, and a better way to live.
Our journey into the world of salteñas began with a desire to bring a taste of home to my fiancé, who’s from Bolivia. After perfecting the recipe, I surprised her with salteñas that reminded her of home. Seeing her joy and knowing there were many Bolivians in our community, we wanted to share this delicious pastry with everyone. Whether you’re familiar with Bolivian cuisine or trying it for the first time, we hope you enjoy these delicious treats and discover the rich culture behind them!
Zanzibar Kitchen’s food is Unique and full of flavor! They are a mobile restaurant serving food representing East Africa. You will find dishes mainly from Tanzania, Kenya & Uganda. The Chef, Happiness, curates these dishes by drawing from fond childhood memories of how she learned to cook from her mother and grandmother. Zanzibar Kitchen does pop ups and catering and would love to transport your taste buds Africa.
Friends Cari and Tiffany love eating high-protein, healthy snacks that keep them energized in their busy lives. They got tired of the same old apples and peanut butter routine, so when they couldn’t find any alternative spreads, they decided to make their own! Smudge is a better-for-you, high-protein, all-natural chocolate spread that is free of nuts, seed oils, gluten, and emulsifiers. It’s naturally shelf-stable and doesn’t require refrigeration, making it easy to enjoy at your home, at your job, or on the trail!
Carson and Hunter met while working on a school project with the goal of starting a business. Married in 2022, this ice-cream truck is the first step in their dreams of owning their own company. Hunter is an ice-cream connoisseur, creative dreamer, and brains behind the operation while Carson is a supportive full-time taste tester with an expertise in financials. Together they hope to bring joy through ice cream and entrepreneurship.
Oakenwood is led by chef Newman brings decades of culinary and hospitality experience. Classically trained at a Le Cordon Bleu program, Newman has worked in James Beard Award–winning restaurants, celebrated resorts and award-winning hotels across the country. With over two decades of experience and training, Chef Newman is a seasoned culinary professional bringing a thoughtful, polished approach to events of every size. From intimate dinners to weddings and corporate gatherings, Chef Newman’s menus are driven by creativity, precision, and a commitment to making every occasion feel exceptional.
One brought food science expertise, the other brought marketing savvy, and together they brought a whole lot of butter. Sugar Apple Treats started as kitchen experiments and grew into a full fledged business as friends kept asking for more. They take what has been viewed as a “kids’ snack” and elevate it. Pistachio Honey, Salted Caramel, and Apple Pie with real fruit are just some of the flavors you can look forward to. Nostalgia with a sophisticated twist.