We had the good fortune of connecting with Yana Todorova and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yana, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
During my Ph.D. studies in Texas Tech University, I started cooking more than usual and always dreamed about going to Culinary School. After many years of teaching as a professor in the Mathematics department at California State University at Bakersfield and giving birth to triplets!, my husband took a sabbatical leave in 2019 and we went to live in Bangkok, Thailand for 8 months. The kids were 5 years old. I studied at one of the most prestigious culinary school Le Cordon Bleu Dusit. At that time, I finished the Basic and Intermediate program of Patisserie. Immediately upon our return to California, I decided to open my own business. I was willing to share everything I learned and I wanted all my friends to try my desserts. Well, the friends tried them and then many people from the city started ordering. The business is growing continuously and I am very happy to provide to my customers high quality French-inspired desserts. We thought we will go back to Thailand the following year and finish the Superior Level, but Covid-19 surprised us.

Finally, in 2022, we were able to travel again to Thailand and I finished the last part of the study. I graduated and quickly started to put into practice all new techniques!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I was born in Bulgaria. I was raised in a family where food is at the center of every reunion. All conversations happen at the table and I learned how to cook from early age from my mother and grandmother. I always helped them in the kitche. At the age of 17, my family moved to Mexico. I had to learn Spanish and study my last year of high school and my undergraduate degree there. It was very challenging. I was missing my family left in Europe and I was adjusting to a completely new culture. But, I was immersed in a new culinary world as well….I also did my Master Degree in Computer Science in Mexico. But then, for the Ph.D. level, I moved by myself to USA. I did my Doctorate Degree in Computer Science at Texas Tech University. This is where I met my husband in 2005 and my cooking become more than passion. I was always in the kitchen. I did everything from scratch, but not very professionally. I told him that my dream was to study at Le Cordon Bleu. He is from Mexico and the good part was that at that time, my Spanish was fluent, we had amazing conversations. It was a match from first sight. We have been together since then. After graduating, I started teaching in the Mathematics Department. We got married, but couldn’t have kids for 5 years. We moved to California to work as professors at California State University. With the help of great doctors, in 2014, I gave birth to our babies triplets (2 boys and 1 girl). This was THE MOST CHALLENGING PART of my life! It was a high risk pregnancy and I was in a bed rest for 10 weeks in a hospital by myself. I survived and they were born without any complications (but 2 months premature). Then, I became so busy with taking care of the babies, while still teaching classes at the university. Few years later, we went to Thailand and I became yoga instructor. I practice Ashtanga Yoga on a daily basis and teach yoga flow at a local yoga studio. While visiting Bangkok for yoga training, we saw the Culinary School Le Cordon Bleu and decide that we have to go back one day and finally pursue my dream. Well, we did. In 2019, my family moved to Bangkok and I started the Pastry Chef courses. It was the best! I learned so much!!! Currently, after graduating, I am the owner of Todorovi Boutique Desserts and do catering, teach culinary classes, and I have written recipes and food articles for a local magazine. I am still professor in Math and still teaching yoga. Kids are 8 years old now and I find more time for cooking and creative experiences.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Currently we live in Bakersfield, CA. I would start the trip at Paso Robles, 2 hours away from Bakersfield. There are more than 300 wineries there and many of them offer wine tasting, they have lovely views and amazing Californian wines.

Next, I would go to San Luis Obispo and eat at one of the best authentic Italian pizzerias there: Flour House.

The best friend should probably also visit the Coast, so any of the beach towns are fun to see. I love walking by the ocean.

We could end up the trip at my favorite museum in Los Angeles: The Getty. I also love to have a lunch at The Getty Museum restaurant. It has nice views and elegant contemporary cuisine.

At the end, I would invite my friend to have dinner at my house and try my cooking. And more specifically, my desserts!!!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to thank the Le Cordon Bleu Dusit culinary school in Thailand for their support and great teaching. But most importantly, thanks to my husband, who organized so many trips to Thailand for me to study. First, it was the Yoga Certificate. Then, it was the Pastry Chef Diploma. Many days, he had to take care of our triplets, meanwhile I was in the kitchen, doing magic.

Website: todorovidesserts.com

Instagram: todoroviboutique

Facebook: Todorovi Boutique Desserts

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