🌱 Welcome, My name is Jess!
I’m a transracial Korean adoptee who grew up in the midwest learning to navigate identity, culture, and belonging — and food became the place where everything finally made sense. Cooking has always been my way of connecting to myself, to others, and to the world. It’s where I feel most grounded, most creative, and most at home.
Today, I live in Minneapolis with my husband and our two cats. When I am not teaching classes, recipe developing or working in inpatient mental health, I try to fill my days with good food, meaningful connections, getting outside, reading a good book on my patio, dancing to electronic dance music, traveling to new places, trying new restaurants and going for walks with my people.
My formal training began at Le Cordon Bleu, where I learned classical technique and the foundations of professional cooking. Later, after my own health journey, I expanded my work into wellness through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN), where I studied holistic health, nourishment, and the mind‑body connection.
Wellness doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a choice — and it is also a luxury. It looks different for everyone, and it evolves with every season of life. The goal isn’t to chase fads, obsess over “perfect” foods, or restrict yourself. It’s about sustainability, self‑awareness, and learning to listen to what truly serves you and your body. I learned this for myself and now I’d like to pay it forward and share what I’ve learned with others.