I’d been visiting Palm Springs since the mid-90s and always felt a deep connection to the area. I promised myself that one day, I’d live in California — and specifically, in Palm Springs. After 18 months of isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, I took the disruption as an opportunity to reevaluate my life. I made the decision to follow my dreams and finally made the move.

Absolutely. I’ve loved animals for as long as I can remember — since childhood, really.

I visited a cat café in Charleston, South Carolina in 2019 and was immediately enthralled by the concept. I remember feeling envious of the owner — she had created a life doing something meaningful and joyful every day: caring for rescue cats. That visit planted the seed.

We typically house around twelve cats, though we’ve taken in more during times when our partner, the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, is over capacity.

Guests book a session in the cat lounge to spend time with the cats. I speak with each potential adopter to understand what they’re looking for, then offer guidance on which cat might be the right fit. The process involves a one-page application, which we handle on behalf of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter. We collect the shelter’s adoption fee, submit all paperwork, and the adopter gets to take their new furry family member home directly from Frisky Business.

One of my favorite stories is about Socksillini (pictured), a cat considered unadoptable due to his fractious temperament. He had been a long-term resident at the shelter before coming to Frisky Business. Over seven months, we helped him become social and affectionate. Eventually, one of our regular guests adopted him — a true transformation story.

Yes — Monty (pictured)! He was our former CFO (Chief Feline Officer) and a bit of a rebel. He once pulled down the screen doors, escaped the lounge in the middle of the night twice, and even set off the motion sensors — which resulted in police being called. Despite his antics, he had an undeniable bond with me, so I adopted him a year ago. He’s now living his best life at home.

Absolutely. Our Great Catsby Book Club meets monthly to discuss that month’s book and spend time with the cats. It’s grown into a tight-knit group of regulars who’ve been showing up consistently for two years.

Then there’s our cat-assisted Pawcatso Paint Party, which is both playful and interactive. Each guest receives an 8×10 canvas, colorful paints, and step-by-step instructions to create a “blank masterpiece.”

Here’s how it works:

1. You paint a base layer.

2. We seal your canvas in a thick ziplock bag.

3. Then it goes onto the cat lounge floor — with a sprinkle of catnip.

The cats do the rest, pawing and rolling across your artwork to create a one-of-a-kind abstract meow-sterpiece. Every guest leaves with a unique souvenir and a story that never fails to spark joy.

After 20 years in corporate life, something always felt like it was missing — it lacked soul. When I created Frisky Business, I knew I wanted to build something rooted in community, compassion, and service. My motto is: “Serve first, and the money will follow.” That philosophy has guided everything we do, from our Pay-It-Forward wall to our community cat food pantry to becoming a Certified Neurodiverse Workplace.

Vienna coffee and a ginger cookie.

Without a doubt — the community. It’s not just something we talk about; it’s the heart of Frisky Business. Over 50% of our customers are locals and regulars who treat the café like a second home. They don’t just come for the cats or the coffee — they come for each other. It’s become a place where people share stories, exchange advice, support one another, and build genuine friendships.

A beautiful example of this is our hospice cat, Percy (pictured). He lives at Frisky Business and requires medication three times a day, every single day — even on days when we’re closed. Percy takes his medicine hidden in Churu treats, and thanks to the generosity of the local community, we’ve never run short. People regularly drop off Churus just for him. We even have volunteers who step in to help administer his medication, ensuring he receives the care he needs.

It’s moments like these — when the community shows up not just for the café, but for a single cat’s wellbeing — that remind me why we do what we do. The love here is real, and that’s the most rewarding part of all.

Serve first and the money will follow. And above all — never give up. There will be setbacks and red tape. But don’t let that dissuade you. Keep going, keep going, and keep going. It will work out in the end. Don’t quit 6 feet from gold.

Sunrises — waking up to the palm trees and the sunshine every morning is magical.

Shrimp Scampi at Sammy G’s and a basket of warm sourdough bread. (Pictured – Sammy G’s main dining room.)

Gabino’s Creperie in Palm Springs and Indio (pictured) is a favorite. And for outdoor adventure — hiking from the top of the Palm Springs Tram to Idyllwild is absolutely breathtaking. It’s a six-hour hike, but worth every step.

In short, no — at least I haven’t! I’ve always LOVED being outside and was fortunate enough to grow up in places where weather was never a second thought, so Palm Springs summers were a complete shock to my system. Nearly 15 years later, I still find myself sinking into a mild depression every May, knowing the scorching temps are right around the corner.

That said, I’ve definitely learned to cope better over time. My best advice is to stay active with as many indoor activities as possible – classes, workshops, social groups, etc. Our Valley certainly has plenty to choose from! Some of my favorites include Creative Classes with Elaine’smandala dot painting sessions (her Christmas in July class is a gem!), paint-your-own-pottery at Old Town Artisan Studios, candle-making with Mijo Co., Paint & Sip nights with Brushour, and Emerge Palm Springs networking events.

I also invested in a home treadmill and have some fantastic podcasts on rotation so I can keep up with my daily walks without braving triple digits. For me, the key has been to keep moving and engaging! It makes the summer fly by faster and the heat a touch easier to bear.

This question came from my neighbors during their first summer in the desert. I’d never tried it myself, so one 120+ degree day, we all ventured outside and cracked an egg right in the middle of our street. (Photographic evidence above!)

The result? The egg did cook . . . but slooooowly – think 15-20 minutes, with most of that time spent waiting inside in the air conditioning. I’ve since heard that a metal pan can speed things up, though I have yet to test that theory. Maybe next summer? The finished product wasn’t exactly appetizing, but the experience itself is a true desert rite of passage!

There’s pretty much nothing I love more than abandoned places, so a trip to the Salton Sea always tops my list. Once a luxury vacation destination, the area (about 45 miles southeast of Palm Springs) is now a post-apocalyptic dreamland. Agricultural runoff turned the local waters toxic and subsequent floods forced residents out, leaving behind a hauntingly beautiful, half-deserted/half-populated, thoroughly unique slice of Americana.

Our typical trips consist of full-day ventures down the eastern shoreline, with stops at the North Shore Yacht Club, Bombay Beach (lunch at the Ski Inn is a must!), Salvation Mountain, Slab City, and East Jesus(pictured). Each spot offers its own distinct landscape and flavor – from abandoned homesteads to large-scale installation art. It’s become one of my favorite adventures to share with friends and visitors, and no two trips are ever remotely the same. (For more on each of these places, scroll to the bottom of the Attractions section of Everything Palm Springs.)

This question was posed by Amy Bonaduce (one of my favorite locals to follow) on Instagram last year. I didn’t have an answer at the time (hey, I don’t know everything! 😉) but made a note of it. So when I came across a post from  The Unemployed Eater just a few weeks later praising the nachos at Blackbook, I forwarded it to Amy, who promptly ran out to order the dish and reported back that they are indeed the best in town!

I finally sampled them myself and have to agree – they’re phenomenal! Served “Palm Springs style,” crisped to perfection on individual baking sheets with the freshest of fixings, Blackbook’s nachos set the gold standard in the desert.

This is easily the question I get asked most often — and my answer hasn’t changed since I moved to the Valley: Adobe Grill at La Quinta Resort! The sprawling, tiered patio is nothing short of magical, with pristine mountain views, palm trees stretching as far as the eye can see, and a succession of red-tiled rooflines, all capped by a romantic canopy of twinkle lights. It’s desert ambiance at its finest! 

And the food is just as remarkable. The Enchiladas Verdes are hands-down my favorite meal anywhere, let alone in the Coachella Valley. I crave them regularly and have to pop in at least a couple of times a year to get my fix!

I’ve been a fan of this midtown Indio café—founded by CV natives Efrain Mercado and Matthew Ortega—and its sumptuous brews ever since my first visit back in 2023. So when they announced the opening of a second location in downtown Indio, I couldn’t wait to check it out — and am happy to report it’s even better than the original! Bright and beautifully appointed in the duo’s signature minimalist aesthetic, the new spot is inviting, with plenty of room to linger. As always, the drinks are stellar — and best of all, you can still grab a latte for under $6, which is practically unheard of these days.

Tucked behind an unmarked silver door in downtown Indio, this glamorous speakeasy is a literal hidden gem — not to mention an absolute dream! Brought to you by former Goldenvoice exec Skip Page (who was also behind Palm Desert’s Little Bar and Indio Taphouse), alongside business partner Roman Whittaker, Italica is dark, moody, and sexily styled. The Italian-inspired food and cocktails are equally divine — each served with a wonderfully theatrical flourish. While you won’t need a secret password to get in, reservations are strongly recommended.

I first discovered Italica thanks to a paint-and-sip session hosted there by artist and Brushour Paint Classes founder Danielle Guerrero. Lacking any real artistic ability myself, I’d never sought out such an event before — but when my friend Cherry of Roam.e invited me, I went along for the ride and wound up having an absolute blast! Danielle is a fantastic teacher, breaking each step down with clarity and ease while we painted, sipped cocktails, and enjoyed delicious bites. I even managed to walk away with a piece of art that isn’t half bad! New hobby officially unlocked!

Two of The Living Desert’s newest — and cutest — residents are an irresistible pair of baby bobcats named David and JoAnn! Orphaned in Oregon earlier this year, the six-month-old siblings were rescued and relocated to the zoo, where they’re now thriving in their new habitat — frolicking, playing, and generally winning the hearts of everyone who passes by! They’re a must-see on your next visit! Can’t make it out to the zoo just yet? Not to worry, you can still keep up with the kittens via their new  webcam.

Following some turbulent years that included a “suspicious” fire, a contentious eviction, and a lengthy closure, Palm Desert’s historic Red Barn has been completely revitalized by new owners Cyrus and Marcie Tahmasebi. Exhaustively reimagined, the bar now dazzles with rich colors, luxe textures, and vintage treasures at every turn — think lamps from Liberace’s estate, art from the Autry Museum, and flocked wallpaper. Once a self-proclaimed “five-star dive,” it’s now stylish, upscale, and a true feast for the eyes — with cocktails to match. Be sure not to miss the stunning pink restroom, easily my favorite feature of the entire place!

Your pink journey starts the moment you land at PSP, thanks to the airport’s new The Pink Door coffee shop. Decked out with blush accents and playful nods to Palm Springs’ most Insta-famous house, Villa Sierra, it’s a charmingly rosy welcome to the desert. Bonus: The café serves up delicious brews from local favorite Joshua Tree Coffee, whose blush packaging is perfectly on-brand! Consider this your first sip of Palm Springs pink!

Step into 1930s bliss at The Mesa Bungalows—a bloomy-hued oasis once owned by Josh Evans, son of actress Ali MacGraw and mega-producer Robert Evans, and later fully renovated by F1 racer Jenson Button and his interior designer wife, Brittny. Inspired by the ethereal hues of The Beverly Hills Hotel and Jayne Mansfield’s Pink Palace, the property now serves as a dreamy vacation rental. Draped in romantic pastels and chic décor, the abode makes for both a sublime retreat and Insta-worthy backdrop. (Photo courtesy of The Mesa Bungalows.)

More is more at this Palm Springs watering hole! The brainchild of Trixie Mattel of RuPaul’s Drag Racefame, the blushy drinkery feels like a Pepto Bismol fever dream come to life—and I say that with 100% adoration. From cheeky patterns and blushy bricks to fuchsia furnishings and pastel accents galore, it’s over the top and perfectly pink in all the right ways. The cherry on top? The food—upscale comfort fare—and drinks—think whimsically named cocktails like Queen of Hearts and Pink Flamingo—are absolutely delish. (*Reservations required.)

Drenched in pinks of every shade, this chic eatery is easily one of the Valley’s most Instagrammable. The work of famed interior designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard, the space draws inspiration from the desert’s midcentury-era social clubs, as well as the lush gardens of Marrakesh’s legendary La Mamounia hotel. And the fare? Just as fab as the ambiance! Go for the endless photo ops; stay for the Green Chile Chicken Tacos and the Roasted Turkey Club (my two favorite entrees)—and be sure to wash it all down with a 50 Shades of Pink cocktail!

Possibly the most famous door in the Valley (and maybe all of Instagram), no pink-in-Palm-Springs itinerary is complete without a stop at That Pink Door, aka Villa Sierra. The swank pad is so Everything Palm Springs-coded, its visage graces both my homepage and my business cards! Swing by for the ultimate photo-op—or fully immerse yourself in its grandeur with an overnight stay! Once owned by actor Telly Savalas, the glam estate currently operates as a vacation rental. This is Palm Springs pink at its most ico

We’ve both always loved coffee culture and have visited hundreds of coffee shops, but due to health reasons, we began to look for alternatives. Once we discovered organic high-quality matcha, it became more than just a drink – it became a ritual and a part of our health journey. We fell in love with its calm energy, versatility, and the way it makes you feel good without the crash. It started as a personal obsession and turned into a passion we wanted to share with all our friends and family.

There weren’t many places in the desert and throughout Southern California offering quality organic matcha, so we thought—why not us? We started small, doing pop-ups at local markets, and quickly saw there was a real demand for quality matcha and fun, elevated drinks. The pop-ups allowed us to connect directly with our community and refine our vision. In fact, our first official pop-up was at a pumpkin patch at All Color Growers nursery in Bermuda Dunes. There, we discovered that we may have created something the valley really wanted and appreciated. Soon after, we continued popping up at the Indio Farmers Market on Saturdays and from there expanded to pop-ups at Blonde Alibi hair salon in La Quinta, Kaylie Nicole boutique on El Paseo, and Hagit Taylor Design on El Paseo. We are so grateful for the partnerships we developed with all these amazing businesses that allowed us to grow as a business and share our matcha with the valley.

Lots of trial and error! We definitely dove into tutorials online, read everything we could, reached out to farms in Japan, and experimented nonstop. But honestly, most of it came from hands-on experience, trying things out, listening to feedback, and learning what people loved. We still treat it like a craft we’re always perfecting.

We value quality and organic ingredients. We wanted full control over flavor and quality. A lot of store-bought syrups are packed with artificial ingredients, and that didn’t feel aligned with the purity of matcha and our personal health standards. Creating our own syrups allows us to get creative and seasonal, and we think it really sets our drinks apart. We also have several friends and customers who overcame cancer through holistic methods such as consuming organic products. It became important to us to offer drinks that would align with people’s health standards

The community. 100%. We’ve met so many incredible people, from loyal customers to fellow small business owners who have now become our friends – many like family. Watching people light up over a drink we crafted is honestly the best feeling.

We create matcha moments for people to connect, feel loved, and enjoy life.

We always had our eyes on El Paseo. It’s a vibrant, walkable area that felt ready for something fresh and modern. We are grateful to Michelle Davidson from The Firm Brokerage, who helped us find a space on El Paseo that had the outside look we were going for. Design-wise, we wanted it to feel like an escape—minimal, calming, organic, and a little unexpected. Hagit Taylor and her amazing team—Thea and Salome— took our vision and made it a reality! Even though our space is small, it is mighty: beautiful and inspiring!

Tough call, but right now we’re loving our coconut matcha—it’s perfectly soothing and refreshing for the summer. Ask us next week, though, and we might have a new fave! We do love our secret flavors that we change often with seasonal and surprise creations.

Editor’s note: I’ve never been a coconut person (like at all!), but tried their coconut matcha on a whim and am hooked. It’s that good!

How supportive the majority of people are! It’s a smaller community, but people show up and rally behind local businesses. Also, we’re constantly surprised by how many people are craving new, wellness-forward options like our organic matcha

Start before you’re ready and work really hard. Seriously! You’ll never have it all figured out, but if you wait for perfect, you’ll miss your shot. Stay flexible, stay humble, and build a brand that feels true to you. Choose to celebrate others and don’t forget to prioritize your family in the midst of all the hard work.

Be consistent, be authentic, and engage. Care more about people than just your business. Show your face, tell your story, and don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. People connect with people, not just products.

The pace. There’s something grounding about life in our valley. There’s a reason why so many individuals choose to vacation and retire out here. There is peace and tranquility with lots of luxury available, as well as nature and simplicity. Such a beautiful combination – great for raising a family or simply finding rest and relaxation.

We have so many great spots throughout our desert. We are big fans of Gabino’s Creperie (pictured). We also enjoy taco trucks and the amazing restaurants on El Paseo!

We love local spots like Kaylie Nicole boutique (pictured), Hagit Taylor Design, Piero’s PizzaVino restaurant, Mole, Tommy Bahama, and, of course, La Dolce Piccola Gelateria for some great ice cream. We also love Food Truck Fridays in Indio and the Indio Farmers Market on Saturdays hosted by CV Harvest Box! We love our community!

Be sure to swing by Buena Matcha for what is certain to be the best matcha of your life! I recommend the coconut, lavender, strawberry and vanilla versions—though you really can’t go wrong with any flavor! In the meantime, follow Kayla and Nahum here to keep up with all of their matcha adventures!

(PS: If your dream home is also on the menu—please reach out! From matcha to move-ins, I’ve got you covered!)

A confounding murder mystery unfolds against the hauntingly beautiful backdrop of Yosemite National Park in this gripping new series. Easily one of the best crime dramas to hit the small screen in a long time (not to mention one of the most stunning!), the show is worth a watch for the scenery alone –  though you’ll certainly want to stick around for the taut story line, sharp dialogue and rich cast of characters, led by a spectacular Eric Bana and Lily Santiago.

Where to watch: Free on Netflix

Cold case mysteries seem to be my procedural obsession du jour. Last month, it was Dept. Q; this month, it’s Ballard, the new Bosch spin-off based on Michael Connelly’s Renée Ballard novels. Starring the impeccableMaggie Q as a taciturn LAPD detective relegated to  an underfunded basement cold case unit alongside a quirky team of unpaid reserves and interns (all impeccably cast), the series packs a serious punch. Not familiar with Bosch? Not to worry – Ballard stands firmly on its own.

Where to watch: Free on Prime

Hands-down one of the funniest comedies streaming right now, all three seasons of this Office-esque Australian series (the latest of which just dropped) are wildly bingeable. Kitty Flanagan shines as Helen Tudor-Fisk, a deliciously awkward, down-on-her-luck contracts lawyer, supported by a stellar ensemble cast so pitch-perfect, watching almost feels like a masterclass in comedy. Each episode is sheer hilarity all the way through.

Where to watch: Free on Netflix

Tongue twister of a title aside, this historical drama is wholly heartwarming and poignant. Adapted from a bestselling novel, it chronicles a British author’s journey to the Channel Islands to uncover the story of an unlikely book club formed there during World War II. Told via a dynamic timeline that flashes back and forth between the Nazi occupation and its aftermath, the film is by turns compelling, uplifting, and devastating – and the real-life talebehind the book’s publication is just as bittersweet.

Where to watch: Free on Netflix

Based on another bestselling novel, this charming comedy follows four true-crime-obsessed septuagenarians who stumble onto – and set out to solve – a murder mystery in their plush Kent community of Coopers Chase, aka “Britain’s First Luxury Retirement Village.” (The Valley may have some fab senior living complexes, but this place is seriously next level!) Boasting an all-star cast (all bringing their A-game!), the flick is as sweet as it is funny, with the perfect amount of intrigue tossed in.

Where to watch: Free on Netflix

I’m honestly not sure what I love more – this store’s vibrant inventory (think tropical print dresses, whimsical accessories & purses for every occasion) or its owner, Tatiana! She is as fun and cheeky as her offerings, making shopping at her El Paseo boutique an experience all its own! I first wandered in after spotting a ringon the store’s Instagram that reminded me of my late father’s watchband, and have popped in countless times since, snapping up such fun finds as cherry-shaped hair clips, bright pink shorts, and a denim dress that takes me right back to high school – in all the best ways.

If you know me at all, you’re aware that I LOVE coffee. It’s practically part of my personality! So, I’ve been eagerly awaiting the launch of Coffeeism Co. ever since seeing sneak peeks of its gorgeous design pop up on Instagram. It finally opened last week and was worth every bit of the hype! The café is minimalist, chic, and welcoming — the kind of place you can happily while away an entire afternoon, sumptuous coffee and delicious baked good (from local gem Con Amor, Nina y León) in hand! Stop by and see why it’s already one of my Valley favorites!

Tucked on 10 acres in Thermal, this family farm might just be the Valley’s most unique event venue! Offering a wide array of backdrops, including a serene lake complete with a beach, dock, and boat, my recent visit felt like stepping into an episode of Dawson’s Creek! Hosting everything from weddings to retreats to photo shoots, Packhouse is endlessly versatile and picturesque. Not currently planning an event? Sign up for one of their farm-to-table dinners! You’ll not only enjoy an insightful tour of the premises, but a meal prepared by a local chef utilizing produce grown right on the grounds!

What’s old is new again at the Palm Springs Airport thanks to the installation of a handful of concrete jet-set style benches replicating those of the site’s initial 1966 design! Fashioned by Doty & Sons (the very same manufacturer that built the originals) using some of the original molds, the chaises are part of a large-scale rehabilitation project spearheaded by Gary Wexler, son of the airport’s architect, Donald Wexler. (Keep an eye out for restored signage and landscaping coming soon!) PSP has truly never looked better!

I couldn’t be more excited to dive into this opportunity full force – especially the regular field trips, which grant participants behind-the-scenes looks at fascinating corners of our Valley. Past sessions included visits to the Robotics Institute at Eisenhower and the historic Sunnylands Estate, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store this year! Our welcome party is on September 18 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Desert Willow Golf Resort. It’s open to the public, so if you’d like to learn more about LCV and join me in celebrating this incredible program, grab your ticket here!

Sure, this locale makes for a fun visit any day of the week, but Thursday nights are where it’s at! With free admission starting at 5 and Pizza & Prosecco Nightscourtesy of onsite restaurant Liv’s, it’s the ideal spot to cool off with culture (and a little bubbly). Must-see works include Old Couple on a Bench (pictured), Spider II, and Robert Therrien’s stacked plates sculpture. Pro tip: Liv’s is open Thursday through Monday—no museum ticket required—so if Thursday nights don’t fit your schedule, you can still savor the charm of this new eatery on another day.

This place is summer in a bottle. When I popped by recently, it felt like stepping into a picture-perfect tropical vacation postcard: the bar area was buzzing with water-logged guests, sunbathers lounged on daybeds, meandering inner tubers dotted the lazy river, and waves were cresting and crashing across the 4-million-gallon surf pool. Not up for a full-day hang? The Restaurant is a perfect alternative! Grab a burger and craft cocktail and enjoy a front row seat to all the watery action.

Last year, a friend gifted me a ResortPass credit and it’s since become my husband’s and my go-to way to enjoy the best of the Valley’s resorts – no overnight stay required! For a simple daily fee, you can access the pools and amenities at luxe properties like Casa Cody(pictured, where we celebrated our anniversary last summer), Korakia Pensione, and Thompson Palm Springs. Passes start at just $22. Check in, chill out, and feel like a resort regular!

You can now ice skate in the desert! This 36,000-square-foot venue next to Acrisure Arena is home to the Valley’s only public NHL-sized, regulation rink, complete with 4 locker rooms, concessions, and seating for 250. Primarily serving as the official training center for the Coachella Valley Firebirds, the Iceplex also hosts a slew of events, including Frozen 5Ks, hockey classes, and daily skating sessions. I had the pleasure of visiting the sprawling facility earlier this week and trust me: there’s no cooler place in town!

Architect. Interior designer. Ceramic artist. My talented friend Pouneh Shahrestani does it all! From her charming Palm Desert studio, Pouneh crafts gorgeous bowls, cups, earrings, and more! And you can join her by signing up for one of her pottery classes! Offered to kids and adults of all levels, Pouneh provides everything you need to create your own bespoke masterpiece! It’s the perfect creative escape from the summer heat—and you’ll walk away with a unique keepsake and a brand-new skill! (Photo courtesy of Cirina Casaluci Photography.)

Miti comes from the heritage of hospitality that runs in my veins! It is the Samoan word for “dream” – a nod to the rich culture that has created and cultivated my passion for service. It’s also a little pun, as it is pronounced like “Meaty,” which the boards are known to have.

I got very lucky! I applied for a grant before I had really started anything serious. It was my very first grant application and although I didn’t get accepted into that specific program, I did receive an initial grant of $7,000 from the Caravanserai Project in conjunction with the City of Palm Springs. If it weren’t for that, I wouldn’t have had the bravery to leave my job and go full-time on Miti Boards. Not only did the grant provide funds, but I received some AMAZING coaching from FREE mentors and gained an amazing amount of business prowess. Shout out to the team at Caravanserai for creating the network that they did!

Cooking was ALWAYS my passion – my favorite activity, hobby, stress reliever, attention grabber! Cooking and food have always been everything to me! I used to dream of being a Food Network star like Alton Brown (of the show Good Eats and now Iron Chef America) or one of the original Iron Chefs! The Japanese version of Iron Chef used to come on SUPER late at night, and I’d get in trouble for staying up through the night to watch it. That was when I was eight/nine years old. 

Then at 11, I became the family cook. I would beg my dad to buy me all the ingredients for some complex recipe I’d just seen on TV, and he’d take me to the local Vons and let me have my way. We were a family of six living on a single postal worker’s salary, and now I am very grateful to my dad for splurging on ingredients that were WAAAYYY too fancy for an 11-year-old. I built a pretty solid palate early on and LITERALLY spent all my money on eating. So, you could say I’ve always been a foodie.

Thank you! Some of my skills are self-taught, but 85% of my technical skills and culinary understanding comes from my grandfather! He was a chef by trade. Any time spent with him was spent eating or cooking, even to this day! The rest comes from constant self-education and practice! I just have an obsession in life, and it’s food.

My wedding in October 2023! I decided I’d take a crack at creating my own grazing table for my special day (as I have a control problem) and it was such a hit! Guests kept asking for a business card, which was awkward because there was no business (yet!) . . . just me! And right then, the idea for Miti Boards was born! 

Fun fact, my hairstylist from my wedding became one of my earliest supporters and ordered charcuterie cups for her salon suite opening in Chino, and she REALLY blew me up on socials! It was such a fun 360 moment!

My charcuterie specialties are color-coordinated, perfectly styled pairings. Boards can get as custom as my customers want! I take a chef-like approach to my boards. Unless ordered as such, no two are really the same! Much like when a restaurant has a rotating seasonal menu, I do my best to bring clients the freshest ingredients, so seasonality plays a huge part in what goes on the boards. So really, my specialty is elevated pairings with a designer touch. The possibilities are endless!

One of my favorite setups — both visually and creatively — was for Kaylie Nicole’s one-year anniversary party. There was so much heart behind that celebration, and the design was truly bespoke. I was in love! Every detail was tailored to Kaylie’s taste, and it really showed just how custom we can go.

Lady Gaga was such a CRAZY order because they only gave me a few hours to complete it. The only request was to have the album name spelled out in cheese letters. They called at 4 PM and wanted delivery four hours later, during peak Coachella season. But one of my toxic traits is thriving under pressure. Some of my best moments come from being asked to put the pedal to the metal and make things happen. So it was a free-form design, and honestly, I don’t think she’d have it any other way. A one-of-a-kind design for a one-of-a-kind human!

Thank you again for the compliment! I don’t think I’m using the right measuring stick. In my mind, I haven’t done much! Until I’m able to hire a team and work on some huge projects consistently, I’m just a small guy doing what I can to grow and build! Maybe it’s because my aspirations for Miti Boards and myself are so big, I’m just out here keeping my eyes on the grind!! 

So my honest response is, I treat all my wins like they are a stepping stone to my true goal! My dream is to have a legacy of a business that continues after I do. It makes the accomplishments sweet and the failures a seed! I don’t get bogged down by the fluctuations because I’m just focused on the big idea ahead of me.

Yes! I am cooking up some really cool stuff for Miti Boards. The more I grow with my business, the more I enjoy the design and connecting aspects of dining and entertaining. I also love innovating, so I hope everyone will enjoy what I’m bringing!

The community support! The desert has its own back for sure! Many of my clients are referral-only. I have received such an amazing welcome, and I believe it’s because of that tight-knit community that I have been able to see so much success.

Do the boring stuff first! Create standard operating procedures and pricing sheets, calculate inventory and production costs, and then PAY YOURSELF FIRST! It may feel slow and it will DEFINITELY feel boring, but a good business person always keeps in mind the future and growth of the business. Work for the later! That’s what I would tell anyone. My dad wouldn’t have had it any other way, and I believe it’s that thinking that has brought me this far.

The slow pace! The desert is one of the few places in California with that magical ability to make you slow down and appreciate the small things. After spending my early twenties in Orange County, I can honestly say — the desert lets you breathe and enjoy life in a way that just doesn’t seem possible anywhere else.

SWIMMING!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’m an island girl, and Kendra means “water child,” so TRULY I am built for the water! Ever since I was a kid, I’ve spent entire days in the pool. There’s nothing better than a blazing hot day, with the UV at 10, sunscreen on, fresh watermelon in hand, and hours upon hours in the water!

Woah, this one is tough, since I LOVE FOOD. My choice, however – the Galbi (Korean-style short ribs) at 8 Star K restaurant in Joshua Tree! It’s not down here in the valley, but as a resident, we all know that up the hill counts too! So please give this Korean family some shine, the food is so good!

BeeCH, please, bb.q Chicken, and Katsuyama (pictured). And for dessert, Uji Time! These restaurants are great at capturing the essence of the flavors that are familiar to any Asian or Island palate. So give these awesome spots a try! They deserve some shine, and we need more places like them in the desert!