About us

“I’m a native New Yorker, born and raised in Harlem. As a child, weekends meant walking from 114th Street to the Village with my mom and aunt, exploring boutiques and discovering new restaurants. Dining out became more than just a meal, it was an experience I cherished.  

In high school, I spent almost every day on the Lower East Side, especially on St. Marks Place, where there was always something happening. During college, I often visited restaurants and bars with friends at NYU.  

I’ve worked in restaurants most of my life. At 16, I joined my family’s Dominican fast-food restaurant in the Bronx, where everything is made in-house from fresh ingredients. That job ignited my passion for serving others and showed me the joy of bringing people together through food.  

I then worked at Minton’s Clubhouse and Cecil Steakhouse in Harlem, a historic venue where jazz legends like Louis Armstrong and Dizzy Gillespie performed. As an Event Planner at Minton’s, I learned the art of hospitality, realizing it parallels music in its creativity. Since then, I’ve held various roles—from hostess to server, bartender, and manager, even pitching in the kitchen during busy times.  

Now, at 25, I’m excited to start my journey at Hearty & Healthy. Like many in this industry, I’ve dreamed of owning my own restaurant one day. This is just the beginning, and I can’t wait to see how Hearty & Healthy becomes a beloved part of the East Village. “