As part of our IWD week, we sat down with one of our wonderful chefs, Eve for a quick Q&A. She gave us her thoughts and opinions and experiences in life as a woman. Read on!
1. Tell us a little about and your story.
I was born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil. I come from a family where food is central element to all happenings in life. I’ve learned to associate the act of cooking to love, to giving. I’ve been living in the UK for quite some time now but I’ve kept my Brazilian roots strong and I want to share that part of me with anyone I feed.
2. What achievement are you most proud of?
I’m proud of having the courage to change my career completely and becoming a professional chef – which has always been on my mind – in my thirties.
3. What’s been your biggest challenge as a woman?
To be relevant and respected as a professional in a field where women are still viewed as inferior. We still find challenges in some kitchens and in the industry that are directly linked to us being women. That shouldn’t happen in 2021…
4. The 2021 theme for IWD is #ChooseToChallenge – have you ever found yourself in a situation where you’ve experienced gender bias and inequality?
Yes. More than I could tolerate.
5. What advice do you have for other women who want to turn their passion into a business?
Make concrete plans. Focus on where you want to go and what is needed to get there. Work with honesty and integrity. Have a good, honest business plan.
6. Two women that inspired you?
My grandmother, Isabel who’s a monument of strength, honesty and resilience. A fantastic woman I would give anything to be like. My family is quite matriarchal and she is the head of it.
My mother, Lenir who was my first “boss” in HER kitchen at home and the toughest one I’ve ever met so far lol. She taught me a lot of what I know. She’s a hard worker and also one of the fastest, most efficient people I’ve seen. And a great mum.
