My Story
I’ve always found it strange that we’re taught to count from the age of two, read and write from four, and study everything from Shakespeare to the periodic table—yet we receive so little education on something we do three times a day: EAT!
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From as early as I can remember, I was peeling carrots, stirring pots, and "helping" my mum in the kitchen. Cooking & eating were the heartbeat of our home, and I grew up immersed in it. Later, I completed Leith’s Introductory Certificate in Food & Wine, but despite encouragement from those around me, I saw cooking as a hobby.
At 18, I left for university, confident and ready to take care of myself—until I realised I had to plan, shop, budget, and prepare every meal, every day! Suddenly overwhelmed, I lived off cheese sandwiches for two weeks. When I did cook, my housemates would ask, “Suzie, what are you making? It smells amazing!” I loved sharing my knowledge with my friends, unknowingly planting the seed for my future.​​
Post-lockdown, I worked as a cook/stewardess on a luxury sailing boat in the Mediterranean, preparing family meals, business lunches, evening dinners, and crew meals in a galley the size of a Fiat 500. Running on little sleep, caffeine, and sugar, I pushed my body to its limits.
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​During this time, I realised that teaching others about the art of cooking, rather than being a chef, was what I truly loved. I was fortunate to then become a teaching chef at The Jamie Oliver Cookery School, where I gained a wealth of experience running lessons on cuisines from around the world. Teaching and sharing cookery skills, culinary education, and practical tips was immensely rewarding.
However, the hours were demanding. Shift work disrupted my sleep, and the fast-paced environment led to bad habits—after-work drinks, food on the go, and ready meals became the norm. After a series of health issues, I became burnt out, which unfortunately led me to step down from the role.
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So what did I do?
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I realised it was time to prioritise my health and well-being. I knew I had to take action to return to a happier, healthier place in both mind, body, and spirit. For me, food was the key to nourishing this change!
I made a conscious decision to reorganise my kitchen, improve my food habits, and dedicate time to cooking. I prioritised stocking my home with fresh ingredients, researching new recipes, and listening to food podcasts. I was particularly inspired by experts like Tim Spector ("Food for Life"), Jessie Inchauspé ("The Glucose Goddess"), and Dr. Mindy Pelz ("Fast Like a Girl"), who all provide actionable advice on nutrition and healthy eating.
Living in London, I had access to vibrant markets, local shops, and delis, which allowed me to explore new ingredients and find fresh inspiration. I moved into a flat with my own kitchen, where I could finally organise things efficiently. Before long, I rediscovered my rhythm in the kitchen and no longer found maintaining a healthy, consistent diet overwhelming. I felt stronger, more energetic, and genuinely healed by the food I was eating. I relished the joy of having friends and family over for dinner, cultivating a real sense of mindfulness in the process.
All that early "peeling carrots and stirring pots" meant that cooking never felt like a chore to me. Studies suggest that hands-on activities like cooking, knitting, and gardening help reduce anxiety by keeping you present, promoting relaxation, and triggering feel-good brain chemicals. No longer living in pain or on a sugar/caffeine rollercoaster, I now understand how and why I need to cherish my body—and I do so with ease every day.
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I want to change people’s mindsets and kitchen skills so they realise that feeding themselves and their loved ones does not have to be a chore.
This journey has led me to where I am today—doing a job I absolutely love! I'm passionate about optimising kitchen efficiency, from knife skills to prolonging food freshness, improving kitchen layouts, and managing equipment. I don’t just teach recipes or specific cuisines; I address every challenge that stands between you and getting food from the shop to the table.
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Through a streamlined, practical approach to meal preparation, I help you make cooking a creative, relaxing, and nurturing part of your daily life—while ensuring it’s always delicious.
If this sounds like something you’d love to achieve, book a complimentary 1-hour discovery call to learn more.
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