Where I come from in Brazil, everybody cooks for lots of different reasons. People cook because it’s cheaper, they cook because there’s no delivery, or like me, because they love to cook, because they grew up watching their moms cook. In my family there were two professional pastry chefs, and food was always around me. There was always enough food to give away. We would knock on neighbor’s doors with plates of any and everything. The rule was this: get it full - give it back full. We would share everything, and plates never came back empty.
In 2001, I moved to the U.S where I faced all sorts of language and culture barriers. I found the easiest way to communicate was through food. The one place I knew very well was the kitchen. That was the year I started to cook professionally and the beginning of an exciting path. I have gained broad culinary experience from styling for photo shoots, testing and developing recipes, restaurants, catering large events and preparing small, intimate dinners.
I have been a successful chef as well as an effective team participant.
I live in New York and, I’m now a freelancer food stylist. I have built a loyal network, styling for magazines, books, television and web, anywhere I can learn, have fun and eat well is where you can find me.
I look forward to continuing the pursuit of my life-long interest in food as I continue to develop my career.