Hey!

My story?

Ironically, my journey into food began as someone who struggled deeply with it.

As a child, I was an extremely picky eater, something I now recognize may have been connected to Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). Food often created anxiety rather than enjoyment. But somewhere along the way, the kitchen became my safe place.

Around age eleven, I started teaching myself how to cook after school. First came simple meals like biscuits and chicken wings. Then pancakes, eggs, bacon, and eventually desserts. By high school, I had mastered my first cheesecake while trying to impress my boyfriend at the time—who later became my husband btw.

What started as curiosity quickly became therapy.

Cooking and baking provided a creative outlet during difficult seasons marked by family struggles, emotional challenges, and uncertainty. The kitchen became a place where I could create something beautiful, comforting, and joyful.

Birthing of Orchids + Sweet Tea

After becoming a wife and mother, life looked very different.

Like many young families, we faced seasons where money was tight, takeout wasn't an option, and every grocery trip required creativity. I learned how to stretch ingredients, build meals from scratch, and create comforting dishes without spending a fortune.

During that season, I began sharing recipes online—and what started as a creative outlet eventually became Orchids + Sweet Tea®.

Today, that small passion project has grown into a trusted food and lifestyle platform serving readers looking for approachable recipes, comforting meals, practical kitchen inspiration, and healthier ways to enjoy the foods they love.