Hello my lovely friends, 

I remember March 19th, 2020 like it was yesterday. As I was making dinner for the family, I overheard Governor Newson on TV announcing a statewide stay-at-home order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

To be honest, the news didn’t really phase me much. It wasn’t until a few weeks into the shutdown that I noticed people losing their minds.

The pandemic had become a millstone around their necks, drowning them in an ocean of fear.

But who could blame them? 

Millions lost their source of income, parents became stay-at-home teachers overnight, and there was a major shortage of daily essentials.

The state of emergency left many overwhelmed and standing on shaky foundations.

Whatever dreams, goals and plans we had for 2020, went out the window!

Although this seemed disheartening and hopeless, it wasn’t … 

Because The Word of God says “We can make our plans but The Lord orders our steps.” - Proverbs 16:9 

This simple truth of recognizing that God is in control gave me a peace that surpasses understanding and allowed me to become more adaptable. 

The good news is, you and I are created in the image of God, and because of this we have the ability to adapt. When things don’t go our way, God gives us the power to overcome and thrive in difficult circumstances. 

Even though my heart goes out to those who have suffered in all this, I’m amazed by the level of growth it has brought into our lives. 

Over the past two years we’ve seen entire industries go out of business and we’ve seen new industries come to life.

Many people have lost everything while others have built beautifully. 

I’ve watched my friends use their ability to adapt as a vehicle to succeed in their personal and professional endeavors.

My friend Chef Kryssie Tinsay of Kitchen 1726 is a great example of someone who has adapted her way into success.

While many companies closed their doors, she launched her Cake Design business in the midst of a global pandemic. 

Kryssie and I go way back. We met at Culinary School and have kept in touch for years. Her modern take on Filipino Cuisine has been a favorite with our HD Community.

We look forward to dining at The Table with her in the near future. 

Check out her work and show her some love!

Website:  Kitchen1726   IG : @chefkryssie.eats  &  @kitchen1726 

I had the chance to ask her a few questions about her adaptation. Here’s what she had to say.

Featured Friend 

Chef Kryssie Tinsay

Q: What inspires and drives you to create? 

A: Honestly, I just don’t like being bored and so the way my mind works, if I am excited about something , I have to do it.

For example a new recipe, if I see it on YouTube or think about it, I will be obsessed about it until I make the dish. 

Q: What was your business model before 2020? 

A: Before Covid I had more of a side hustle, on the days I was off of work. I was doing small personal chef gigs and pop-up dinners . Mostly Modern Filipino inspired food . 

Q: How did the 2020 shutdown impact your business? 

A: I was furloughed from my full time Executive Sous Chef Job at The Hilton.  

I don’t know exactly how it happened but it just kinda happened. All of a sudden people were ordering baked goods from me.

I needed to work and make money. I also did meal preps, since no one wanted to leave their house . 

Q: How did you adapt and grow? 

A: I started making cakes for family and friends prior to Covid and posted my work on social media. People began responding and ordering cakes for their celebrations.

I never had formal training as a Baker and pretty much taught myself how to do everything through Pinterest . Because I’m a visual learner, it was a great way to replicate cakes.

The cake business is thriving and my personal chef business is also thriving.  

Q: What advice do you have for those who are facing obstacles in their   personal and professional life? 

A: Just don’t give up and keep going. Do you!

If you’re good at something, you can monetize it and be successful . No one really trained me how to run a personal chef business.

You just learn as you go. Working in hotels helped me have a basic foundation and understanding on how the food business works. 

Q:  What is your perspective on food? 

A: Food is an art, there is no limit to what you can do. You can do whatever you want.

I have a very different perspective when it comes to food and the way I decorate my cakes and plate my dishes.

It’s never perfect or has super finesse, but it’s still artsy, delicious and kind of edgy, made with love .

Q: What is something unique about you that you want to share with our friends ? 

A: I have like 20 tattoos and only one of them has a significant meaning. It’s a thyme sprig, my favorite herb and underneath it, it says, “For The Love of Food” Which is the slogan I use for my Pop-up Dinners. 

Success looks different to everyone and the measure of adapting to our circumstances is a personal journey. 

It’s my observation that those who are willing to accept life’s reality and adapt with a growth mindset, will ultimately find peace, satisfaction and success in life. 

The most valuable lesson that I’ve learned is to relinquish control and move forward with what God is placing in front of me.

I’ve learned to trust my plans into God’s hands and believe He will work all things out for my good. 

As you continue to move forward in life, I want to encourage you to make your plans, but don’t hold on to them too tightly.

Allow for God to add and subtract things out of your life. Developing a heart of surrender will bring you peace in all circumstances. 

In what ways did you adapt and grow successfully over the past two years? 

Looking forward to reading all of your answers. 

Stay Blessed, 

Anahita Naderi 

Founder and Curator of Hidden Dinner