Vanina Kuri began her journey in the culinary industry as a dishwasher during the COVID-19 pandemic. She initially pursued other interests, including becoming a teacher, but found her passion in cooking while working in a kitchen. This led her to enroll in culinary school to further her skills.In the interview, Vanina discusses the typical progression in cooking roles, starting as a dishwasher or prep cook and advancing to positions like sous chef. She emphasizes the importance of cleanliness and organization in the kitchen, and that skill development takes time and practice, especially in a fast-paced culinary environment.She aims to inspire others, particularly women, to enjoy cooking and explore new recipes, highlighting that restaurant-quality meals can be prepared at home without overwhelming complexity. Vanina also shares her love for gardening, suggesting that using fresh, seasonal ingredients greatly enhances cooking experiences. Overall, her dream is to someday open a restaurant and encourage joy in cooking within a male-dominated industry