Just A Broward Mom on a Mission
Hey there! I’m Chef Maika, a passionate culinarian, educator, and devoted mother based in Broward County. My love for food, education, and my incredible family has shaped my journey.
A Proud Caribbean Heritage
I am a proud descendant of Haitian and Bahamian immigrants, and my Caribbean background has deeply influenced who I am today. Growing up in a Haitian household, the rich aromas of traditional dishes surrounded me, the rhythmic sounds of kompa and meringue music, and the warmth of a culture that values resilience, family, and hospitality.
My heritage is woven into everything I do—whether it’s in the way I cook, the way I teach, or the way I connect with others. It has taught me the importance of embracing my roots while continuously learning and growing.
A Life Rooted in Learning and Resilience
My path has been anything but ordinary. I’ve spent years honing my culinary skills in luxury hotels and fine dining restaurants, including PGA National Resort, The Ritz-Carlton, W Hotel, Conrad Hilton Rusty Pelican, and more. Cooking has always been my creative outlet, a way to connect with people and celebrate culture through food.
Deep Love for Education
But beyond the kitchen, I have a deep love for education and helping others. I dedicated nearly a decade to teaching, specializing in exceptional student education. My passion for learning led me to earn a Master’s in Special Education and a Bachelor’s in Psychology with a focus on Applied Behavior Analysis from Florida International University (FIU).
Who’s my inspiration? My incredible older son is on the autism spectrum and has intellectual disabilities. Learning how to support him has been one of my greatest life lessons, shaping the way I approach teaching and advocacy.
Balancing Entrepreneurship and Life
In addition to my roles as a chef and educator, I am also an entrepreneur managing four businesses. Building and growing these companies has been a journey filled with challenges and triumphs with unforgettable lessons.
Juggling work, family, and personal time is no easy feat, but I embrace the journey with passion and determination. Each business is a reflection of my love for food, education, and community, and I continue to learn how to balance my professional ambitions with my personal life. It’s a constant evolution, but one that brings immense fulfillment.
Life Beyond Work
I indulge in my many creative passions when I’m not in the kitchen or working in education. I love gardening, watercolor painting, and traveling. Exploring new cultures and flavors fuels my curiosity and keeps me inspired. But you can also say I am a kid at heart since I love gaming, reading comic books and manga, watching anime, and cosplaying for conventions.
I live out west in Broward County, Florida, with my wonderful husband and our two dogs, Milo and Zoe. Life is a beautiful balancing act, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Through food, education, and shared experiences, I am always excited to meet new people and build meaningful connections. Throughout all my experiences, one thing remains constant: my love for learning, creating, and connecting with others.
