Born and raised in Los Angeles, Chef Yesenia Alfaro developed a deep love for flavorful cooking and connection through conversation. Despite not having a culinary background, she pursued her passion for food. Learning Cuban cuisine from family and becoming a self taught baker/pastry cook, she started her own catering company, Sweet Havanna, specializing in pastries and Cuban cuisine. Serving fresh and authentic island gourmet food along with Mexican, French and American styled desserts. While running her own business, she is also the Executive Pastry chef for the company Four Forty Four, and Goddess Cafe, where she creates their pastas, bread and desserts from scratch. Grateful for her family's sacrifices of leaving their country and making a life in America for her, she is determined to spread that love and appreciation through her art. She continues to grow and collaborate with other great chefs while sharing her unique flavors with the world.