Melissa Ghelani grew up on a small Texas farm. She attended TCU for a BFA in Studio Art with an emphasis in printmaking. She then traded ink for ingredients and moved to the Pacific Northwest. She attended Culinary School and trained as a chef in Seattle. For over 13 years, she’s been teaching people how to cook, blending her classical French and Italian training with the bold flavors of her Tex-Mex roots, a love of Indian spices (thanks to her husband), and inspiration from her travels. Now based in Union, New Jersey, she’s all about making great food accessible—whether that’s through private chef work, catering, or in-home cooking parties. She’s also experienced in cooking for dietary restrictions and allergies, ensuring every dish is both delicious and safe.