Meet Alma Fernanda Regalado | Chef, online cooking classes

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alma Fernanda Regalado and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alma Fernanda, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think risk has always been a part of my career. It is the determining factor that has helped me create the job I always wanted.

It all started with me switching mayors halfway through becoming a nutritionist. I quickly realized that wasn’t my path and I had to take the risk of following my passion. Off I went to culinary school. New city, new home, new everything. I studied at Le Cordon Bleu Mexico City where I immediately felt at home and realized taking that risk would completely move my life towards living my best life.

After graduating I moved back home and started venturing on the greatest adventure of all, creating my own business. I started as a private chef with people I knew and went on to cook for 3-4 families at a time. As well as selling baked goods on the side.

I realized I needed more. Food really is my passion. I needed to give that passion a voice. I went on to teach cooking classes. The moment I started I knew this was what I wanted to do forever. It was a risk. I didn’t know if people were going to like my teaching techniques or how I cooked but I went for it. I remember being so nervous and scared, but quickly realized to need to fake it till you make it. Believe in yourself or no one will.

I had to take other risks along the way, but the most important of all has definitely been transitioning into a 100% online business. I started teaching online in march 2020 and never looked back. This move helped me reach a ton of new people and took my business and brand to whole other level. It has been the biggest and greatest risk of all. When we are under pressure taking risks might seem really hard, but I promise no risk comes without some sort of reward. It is what makes us grow and moves us forward.

Today my business has stayed 100% online and is thriving. It has made me realized constant risk taking is what makes you grow professionally and personally. Take the risk and give it your all.

What should our readers know about your business?
The greatest lesson I’ve learned from my years as an entrepreneur and business owner is you have to make your happiness the ultimate goal. The whole point of having your own business, following your passion and building a brand is being happy. I am so proud of my perseverance and hard work because it has allowed me to be in a place of bliss and happiness. Don’t get me wrong, it’s hard hard work to have your own business but at the end of the day everything is worth it because your job is your passion and you makes happy. Being in a place of happiness and being content with the job I have is one of my greatest accomplishments.

I am so proud of all the people who have started cooking and lost their fear of being in the kitchen. My online business started in the middle of a pandemic. Giving people a distraction and a hobby in the middle of a crisis is something I am very proud of. So many people have shared how my cooking classes got them through a very hard time. I feel really really blessed to have been able to change peoples life for the better.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love San Diego!! but I would definitely encourage people to go south of the border. Visit Tijuana and all of the amazing places it has to offer. Of course being a chef restaurants is the first thing that comes to mind. Erizo, Caesars (this is actually where caesar salad was invented!), Georgina, Tortas del Wash, Casa Plascencia, and La Querencia are some of my favorites.

If you’re feeling adventurous I HIGHLY recommend driving a south to Valle de Guadalupe. Baja’s wine country is so beautiful with the best restaurants and wine. I love Bruma Wine Bar, Finca Altozano, La Esperanza, Fauna and Animalón.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband, parents and sisters have been my number one supporters since day one. They have been there in the best and worst moments. During sleepless nights, entrepreneur crisis, reached goals and recognition they have always been there. Thank you for believing in me. Believing in my passion and my talent. I will be eternally grateful.

Website: chefalmafernanda.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefalmafernanda/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alma-fernanda-regalado-a113b382/

Facebook: https://es-la.facebook.com/chefalmafernanda/