My past experiences as Chef & Co-founder at Black Seed Bagels have given me the deep understanding of what it takes to have a thriving and growing food business in New York City. Having led a team of 120+ employees, 24 hour operations, and 8 locations has armed me with the entrepreneurial spirit it takes to succeed.

The piece of advice my past mentors provided me and that has stuck with me is “Be adaptable and flexible.” In the kitchens and in a bigger business perspective, these past few years have truly proven how important it is to not buckle under stress and find alternative solutions.

The transferable skill I look for when hiring is “relationship building.” We are in the hospitality industry where relationship building is not just about the brand to customer contact but also the ability to build a relationship with your team. Kitchens in New York City are often cramped and teams are working elbow to elbow, so it is vital that one understands the importance of becoming one unit.

Being a woman has played a large role in becoming a leader in the hospitality industry as I made sure to lead from a different perspective than what was atypical when I was a line cook. I truly try to utilize my maternal instinct in my leadership style.