This LA-Based Chef Expert Writes an Open Letter to Herself on Food, Family and Success Hola Jalapeno
Photography Provided By: Todd van der Kruik, Emma K. Morris, Dana MiQuelon Hola Jalapeno
Hey Girl! Hola Jalapeno
This year you’ll turn 23. You don’t know this now, but this past year was one of the most eventful of your life. You graduated from college, got hired as the Sous Chef at Mustard’s Grill, moved to Napa Valley, met the man who would become your husband and started on your journey that led you here, to an older, more refined version of yourself. Kate Ramos
I know you’re terrified. I know you feel clueless and alone. I would urge you to tell people that. Being vulnerable is way better than the snarky jerk routine you fall back on to hide your fear. It’s ok to not know stuff. When you ask questions what you’re really saying is, “I’m confident and brave.”
Ever since you were a little girl you wanted to be a chef—and you did it! Now you’re here and realizing that restaurant kitchens make you miserable. Well, what if I told you that it will one day lead you to create your own food media brand, ¡Hola! Jalapeño, a successful food blog that has allowed you to have the family you’ve always dreamed of and still do what you love.
I’ll warn you; it’s not going to be seamless, however. You think these years as a chef are the hardest, but they’re not. Motherhood will challenge you far more than your toughest day in the kitchen ever did. I beg of you to ask for help. That guy you are currently dating will end up being the best thing that ever happened to you. He loves you more than you can possibly understand. Tell him what you need, please.
There are three things I want you to know that I wish I had understood when I was your age. First of all, you deserve the moon and stars and everything in between; never tell yourself otherwise. Secondly, nothing ever comes out of playing the victim. You can mourn the loss of what you imagined life would be, but only for a little while, then you must move on. And lastly, life has a way of being inconceivably benevolent when you believe in your inherent gifts. You must trust with every inch of your being that God made you exactly how you are, on purpose. Don’t waste a minute wishing you were someone else.
Love,
Me
Kate Ramos | @holajalapeno
