a 2-week job at TRW out at Kennedy Space Center. Two weeks turned into 2 months and in the end, they offered me a job I couldn’t turn down. I was thrilled to worked at Kennedy Space Center for almost 5 years, Space shuttles and rockets launches were very exciting. 

In the early 90's I started researching food additives, preservatives and colorings. I came to the conclusion that those additives could dramatically affect children.  By the late 90's, I was researching natural health methods for our family and in 1999 I published my 1st issue of Nature's Guide Magazine. A few years later I landed a job at Wild Oats Market as their marketing manager, where I further promoted healthy, clean eating, while still publishing my magazine.

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Van Gogh's Creative Cafe

My love of food got me thinking about having my own place. A place filled with art and great food! In January 2006 Van Gogh's Creative Cafe opened. A sweet little art cafe with simple, delicious food. You know what they say ... timing is everything and I guess the timing wasn’t right for my little cafe.

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From there I went to Nature’s Market Health Foods, where I managed the juice bar/deli. I created recipes and started a catering business focusing on healthy foods including vegetarian, vegan and gluten free. Developed a Marinated Kale dressing with a cult following. Managed several Farmers Markets and I wrote a cookbook...all about eating healthier.

 

What I Love !

What I really like to do is create! I am an artist and food is my medium. Nothing makes me happier than feeding people delicious, healthy food, that I created. That is why I love to cook vegetables. The color, texture and nutrients they give food, challenge and excite me. I know I sound like a cooking geek but what can I say.

 

By 2020 my catering business was booming, I was gearing up for my best year ever. I was negotiating to take over the kitchen at my biggest clients building ... GE. Then on March 13th, I was notified that all upcoming catering jobs would be postponed until October due to the COVID. October came and went, and the GE building remained empty. I decided to take a Holistic Nutritionist Course in my free time. It basically just confirmed everything I had been researching and learning over the past 20 years. 

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It was a strange and scary time. My business that was going so well was devastated. I had a few calls to cater funerals and one client wouldn’t accept the food for fear of the virus. By November I had given up my kitchen. My husband was laid off and things felt very unstable. In December we took our 1st trip to Louisville. I had never been to Kentucky. I was pretty taken with it. The trees, the seasons, the architecture, the people!!!!

 

In 2021, after trying to find a job in Florida for several months we made the decision to change it all and move to Louisville. Two of our 4 kids were here and the youngest was living at home and would come with us. We arrived in Louisville in December 2021.

 

What a cool place! There are so many things that simply delight me here. I am super excited to meet new people and see where this new adventure takes me.

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This story wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the most important part of my life ....my family! I have been married to my husband Richard, partner in adventure, for 27 years. We have 4 kids between us (yours, mine and ours) Lukas, Kyle, Taylor and Olivia. To that we have added 2 incredible daughter-in laws, Lindsay and Gabby. Two wonderful grand children, Finn and isla. And I must mention Alex (soon to be son in law) and Shane (things are looking good) I love you all so much.

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"La famiglia e tutto".... The family is everything!!