A SIDE OF TOTS

Cooking has been my passion since I was a little girl growing up in Monterey, California. It all started with a Girl Scouts potluck where I made my first dish—Korean Dumplings. That moment sparked a lifelong love for the kitchen, and I soon found myself checking out two cookbooks every week from my school library. The joy I felt cooking for my friends and family was something I cherished deeply, and it became a thread that wove through the fabric of my life.

Raised by a single mother working in the medical field, I took on much of the cooking for my younger sister and me. With my mom working long hours, the kitchen became my sanctuary. I spent countless hours watching the Food Network, learning from the masters, and experimenting with new recipes. Each dish I created brought me a sense of fulfillment and pride, knowing I was nourishing those I loved.

In 2014, I began baking and selling desserts during the holidays. What started as a small hobby quickly grew into something bigger, but it wasn’t until 2017 that my culinary journey truly took off. I created A Side of Tots, a YouTube cooking show designed for college students, sharing easy, delicious meals with my audience. What began as an online endeavor soon led to unexpected opportunities, and before I knew it, I was catering events for 200-300 guests. While it was overwhelming at first, nothing filled my heart more than seeing people gather around food I had prepared, enjoying it together.