Maika Frederic

Chef Maika is a professionally trained chef with a degree in Culinary Arts and Food and Beverage Management from the Florida Culinary Institute. Her career includes experience at esteemed establishments such as the Rusty Pelican, W South Beach Hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, Conrad, and PGA National Resort, where she honed her craft and developed a deep passion for creating memorable culinary experiences. As a mom of a son with autism, Maika took a step back from her culinary career to focus on her family. She returned to school to study education and behavioral science, equipping herself with tools to support her son’s growth and development. Now that he is older, Maika has returned to her culinary roots, driven by a renewed purpose to serve her community. This journey inspired Maika to establish Growth Culinary, a platform empowering culinary creators to thrive; Just Maika Cooking, where she shares delicious recipes, cooking tips, and classes for food enthusiasts; and Golden Sage Chef, her personal chef service specializing in meal prep to simplify busy lives. Additionally, Maika is excited to relaunch her long-standing Custom Herb Spice Shop, founded in 2013, to bring bold, hand-crafted seasoning blends to home cooks everywhere. Maika’s mission is to combine her culinary expertise, personal journey, and passion for teaching to inspire and serve others.