Meet Kyndra Kelly of Kyndra’s Kitchen in Scottsdale

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kyndra Kelly.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Kyndra. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Since I was a little girl, I loved to help my mom cook and bake. I would spend hours up on the counter stirring pots, wrapping shrimp in bacon, and taste testing everything as I went! In high school, I began to teach myself how to bake and decorate elaborate cakes ranging from little hobbit holes to realistic dogs. I loved everything about being in the kitchen. To me, it was my happy place. After graduating from high school, I attended ASU, taking classes I despised, learning about things that I couldn’t care less about. All the while, taking notes and sketches of cakes, flavor combinations, and new recipes I wanted to try. I was on the path that was expected of me, the one that lands you a good job after graduating working regular hours. To me, this couldn’t be farther from what I wanted. I was miserable, even though all my friends were in school with me on the way to getting their business degrees, I knew that this kind of life just wasn’t for me. I needed something that gave me a creative outlet, allowed me to be what I wanted to be, and do what I wanted to do.

One day, I woke up and told myself that I was done letting my dreams be dreams. I wanted to chase my passion and I wasn’t going to let anything stop me. That fall, I transferred to Le Cordon Bleu, and it was the best decision I have ever made. I was finally learning the skills and techniques that I cared about. I looked forward to getting up every morning and going to school, eager and hungry (no pun intended) to learn all that I could about the culinary world. I graduated at the top of my class and immediately got to work sharing my passion for all things food and baking, launching my YouTube channel and sharing my creations on Instagram.

I wanted to inspire and teach and bring people into the world of cooking because it is such a beautiful and delicious place to be. Somewhere along the way, I feel like my generation lost the art of cooking. With all the apps now, you can press one button to have something delivered straight to your door, but where’s the fun in that? Buying or growing the ingredients, preparing a meal, and eating something that you alone accomplished is the most rewarding feeling. Not only did you make something with real ingredients, but you know exactly what you are putting into your body, unlike when you go out or order in.

The most important things to me in life, are good, real food, and the people you share it with. Because nothing brings people together like food. There’s a quote by my favorite author, J.R.R. Tolkien that says “if more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world” and to me, this is everything.

Has it been a smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been the smoothest road. The ultimate struggle was taking the leap of faith to transfer to the culinary school. It wasn’t an easy decision, but in the end was hands down the best decision for me. I knew what I wanted out of life, and not chasing my passion was something I would have regretted for the rest of life. So, I closed my eyes, and dove head first into my dreams.

The biggest obstacle for me was learning about the cameras and set up for good photography and videography. It took a long time for me to learn everything I needed to know to become a quality food photographer. But with patience and determination, I eventually found my style.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Kyndra’s Kitchen – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I started Kyndra’s Kitchen shortly after graduating from culinary school. I knew I wanted to teach and inspire others to get in the kitchen and cook, no matter how scary it may seem. Bringing back the art of cooking to my generation is something I am very passionate about. I create and share recipes that I test personally and LOVE. Aside from food photography and recipe developing, I visit and eat at local Arizona restaurants, posting about my experience online for others to read.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
The thing I like most about the Phoenix/Scottsdale area is (this may sound cheesy and predictive) but, the FOOD! The food scene is growing so rapidly. Delicious and unique places are beginning to pop up all over the place. This is a dream come true for me, being in the food business. And of course, the sunsets. Arizona has the best, most vibrant and fiery sunsets!

The only thing I dislike about Phoenix/Scottsdale is when the summer heat goes on a bit too long! (And the traffic during tourist season).

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kyndraclaire.com
• Email: kyndraclaire@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kyndraskitchen/

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