Cook's Creations is a bistro-style catering company that started as just a dream of mine in high school. I was given the option to do dual enrollment at the Anne Arundel College in Maryland, and I had watched my family cook all my life. My dad's mother was the best baker, making all types of breads and cakes that I used to sneak and eat when nobody was watching. My mother's mom cooked everything, and when I say everything, I do mean everything.

After graduating high school, I attended and completed the culinary program at Helms College in Augusta, GA, where I sharpened my knife skills and expanded my palate. I believe we all have a purpose for being on this earth, and mine is to cook. It comes naturally to me, as if it's not work or a job of any sort. I am just lending a service to those in need.  As I ventured out after establishing my catering company in 2014, I started looking more closely at tangible goals. I was persuaded by my husband to purchase our first food truck. Although it took time to get here, we made it. It was such a far-fetched idea at the time because we were struggling to stay afloat. Covid hit us pretty hard as a family, so we had to relocate and start over from nothing. We had three little ones that turned into four, and we were hustling to make sure we could keep a roof over our heads. Feeding people saved my family from a lot of hard days and rainy nights. I have dishes named after my family throughout my menu, as they have been and continue to be my biggest supporters. Gaining knowledge by working closely with chefs at The Peddler Steak House in Raleigh, NC, Hilton Hotels, and Helms College has helped shape and hone me into the chef I am today. I don't wear that name on my jacket lightly; I look at it as a badge of honor to serve my people. My work ethic comes from seeing my parents work hard to make sure I had the opportunity to become successful.

 Chef A'Tiya Cook