Today we’d like to introduce you to Tanaja Andrades.
Hi Tanaja, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
I’ve been cooking for as long as I can remember. When I was a little girl, I lost my biological mother; I was put into foster care and was blessed enough to be adopted by a wonderful family, including my mother, Sharon, who helped spark my passion for food. Her teaching me how to make Puerto Rican dishes helped to create a deeper mother-daughter bond and ultimately inspired me to pursue a formal culinary education. After college, I wasn’t sure if becoming a chef was what I really wanted. I pursued other areas of interest, then realized nothing compared to my passion for cooking. It was something very therapeutic for me. I moved to San Diego, California in 2018, started my catering company, The Take Out Sisters, and quickly got celebrity clientele. Now I primarily do pop-up events in downtown San Diego, private chef work, and am now fulfilling my dream to film my own cooking show. But the truth is, I wouldn’t be where I am today without all the amazing support from my community. I’m so thankful to God and grateful for all the opportunities I’ve been given.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It most definitely has not been a smooth road. One of the hardest struggles I’ve faced is being a single mother of two girls and full-time entrepreneur. I always have to make a way to balance both, which isn’t easy. There also has been biases in the kitchen, being disrespected as a woman, let alone a woman of color. I have also been overworked and underpaid throughout my career in this cutthroat industry. Covid was another challenge. With limited service and restaurants closing, I was forced to stop working like many others.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in latin cuisine. I’m most known for my signature Mama Sharon’s Empanadas and Birria tacos ; they are my most popular dish. I’m most proud of how far I’ve come on my journey and the ability it’s given me to do philanthropy. I love helping people, like feeding the less fortunate or educating children on the importance of food and what it does for your body.
What do you think about luck?
I don’t believe in luck personally; But I most definitely believe it’s been all great outcomes in my life and business because I’m blessed by god, and the rest is when preparation meets opportunity.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thetakeoutsisters.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/cheft_nyc_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/takeoutsisters?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/@chefteeslife2968
Image Credits
Rashad autman
