To celebrate International Women’s Day, we sat down with one of Miami’s most celebrated chefs and asked her to share a taste of her wisdom.

Cindy Hutson shows her passion for the Caribbean flavors in her limitless, culturally diverse and seasonally driven culinary style at Ortanique on the Mile and Zest; two local Miami favorites.

Though her success is clearly recognized now, her self-taught journey had many long days of uncertainty and doubt. However, Cindy had the grit it took to power through these difficult times and excel in the field. We had the pleasure of meeting with her and getting her ingredients for success.

‘Cindy, what advice would you give to an aspiring female chef or restaurant owner?’

The most common statement you hear about becoming a chef is it’s a labor of love and passion that goes into creating a successful culinary career. My experience has been, there will be unexpected ups and downs, turns and twists. It’s a roller coaster at times and if you can’t take it, get off the ride.

My second piece of advice would be to connect yourself with engines that assist in pulling you forward and not anchors who hold you down.

Cindy is an inspiration for those who find their passion and run with it even when it requires a leap of faith, and her culinary journey is a testament to the phrase “hard work pays off”.