Thank you for the opportunity to let you know a bit about me and my business.

I was born and raised in Pennsylvania by my loving parents Ray and MaryJane.  Mom was a simple but great cook.  Dad loved to eat in fine restaurants and had an "adventurous" palate.  These influences had me cooking at an early age.

As a child I remember trying recipes from magazines, even the TV Guide.  We watched Graham Kerr as the Galloping Gourmet every Saturday (ohh!  I'm showing my age!).

Marirae Mathis is a Certified Personal Chef, and a member of the United States Personal Chef Association.

I continued my love of cooking and restaurant-eating through the years.  Because Dad didn't want me to become a "starving chef" I enrolled in Pittsburgh's Dental Hygiene Program.

Fast forward 25 years...

My love of cooking only increased over time.  I decided to see if I could make a go of it.  I worked in the kitchen of an upscale microbrewery on Saturday and Sunday while still "cleaning teeth" Monday through Friday.  At minimum wage plus long hours, I decided the restaurant business wasn't for me.

What came next was nothing short of amazing.  The dentist I worked for and our hubbies came to Tennessee for a week long vacation.  We stayed in a cabin in Gatlinburg and visited her cousin in Brentwood.  We all agreed we LOVED Tennessee and would do what we could to pursue a move to this great state.

When we returned home, I found a private chef position in Hendersonville on Craig's List.  I worked full time for a family for a little over a year.  Then I learned about Personal Cheffing.

Finally, I could be my own boss.  I enrolled in the United States Personal Chef Association course in Atlanta in January, '06.  What great experience.  I learned so much and made many new friends.

I've now been in business for over a year and have loved ever single minute of my new career.  My favorite part is helping people change to a healthy lifestyle.  I'm totally devoted to cooking only foods that will improve the general health of my clients.

In the beginning, I cooked anything, but found myself less than satisfied with the result.  I took a step back and decided the reason was some recipes were not promoting longevity, so I changed my focus and now feel totally satisfied that everything that I cook will help the individual in their goal of fulfilling their healthful dietary needs.

I love the fact that my food makes people happy even with the ingredient restrictions.  I'm glad to follow any program for my clients, too, and willing to do the necessary research for their special needs.

Give me a try and see what deliciously healthy food tastes like!

Marirae Mathis is a Certified Personal Chef, and a member of the United States Personal Chef Association.