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Honouring Talent, Passion, and Innovation

As we love doing every year, we are celebrating International Women’s Day by shining a spotlight on some (but not only) of the stars of our industry. While each of their journeys is unique, they all share two common traits: passion and exceptional talent.
The culinary world has long been a space where resilience, creativity, and dedication define success. Yet, for too long, it has also been an industry where women have had to push harder to carve their place. Today, we honour those who are not just part of the food scene but are actively reshaping its future.
We are truly grateful and honoured to collaborate with these inspiring women who are setting new standards in kitchens across the country. Through their vision, expertise, and unwavering commitment, they are challenging norms and proving that talent knows no boundaries.
Join us in celebrating the remarkable female chefs we have the privilege of working.
Enjoy your read!
 

Angela Barany

Owner & Executive Chef - Joy & Joy Catering

Angela Barany is a passionate chef and event expert with over 20 years of experience. A Cordon Bleu-trained professional, she founded Joy & Joy to bring people together through exceptional food. Her motto, “EAT, EAT, EAT,” reflects her dedication to quality and generosity. Recognised for her impact, Joy & Joy won the Gold Coast Business Excellence Award in 2023 and 2024, and Angela earned the Gold Coast Women in Business Award in 2022.

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Cherie Lyden

Founder - Wholegreen Bakery

Cherie Lyden founded Wholegreen Bakery in 2014 after being diagnosed with hypothyroidism and latent coeliac disease. Passionate about gluten-free food, she created a bakery offering 100% gluten-free, made-from-scratch products. The business has expanded with cafes in Sydney and delivers fresh sourdough across NSW, QLD, and ACT. In 2023, Cherie published her cookbook, Gluten-Free Baking Made Simple.

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Jazmin Ladkani

Owner, Pastry chef - Crème de La crème

Creme de la Creme Patisserie was founded by Jazmin and her husband, a skilled pastry chef with over six years of experience. What began in her home kitchen, with cakes that captured people’s hearts, has grown into a popular storefront in Melbourne. Jazmin creates pastries, cakes, and desserts that blend tradition with modern techniques. Everything is made from scratch, ensuring every creation is full of flavour and quality.

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Valeria Shevchenko

Founder, Pastry Chef In The Concept

Chef Valeria Shevchenko has dedicated herself to the art of pastry, continually learning and evolving in her craft. Her expertise spans cakes, chocolate, menu consultancy, plant-based creations, and molecular techniques. As the owner of @intheconcept, she brings innovative desserts to life, such as the Tropical Treat featured in Pastry Arts Magazine. Chef Valeria's journey reflects her unwavering passion and commitment to pushing the boundaries of pastry arts.

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Schweta Gate 

Executive Chef - Sofitel Adelaide

Newly appointed Executive Chef at Sofitel Adelaide, Shweta Ghate comes with a wealth of culinary experience in fast paced international hotel brands, like the JW Marriott, Carlson (Radisson Blu), QT Hotels, Ibis, Oaks Hotels (Minor Hotels), with the previous role as Executive Chef at Sofitel Wellington, New Zealand, under the Accor flagship. Shweta comes with an extensive knowledge of fine French cuisine. 

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