Chef Maika Press Release

Contact Information:
Just Maika Cooking
Chef Maika Frederic
[email protected]

Release Date:
May 10, 2025

Chef Maika Bridges Culture, Creativity, and Community

Through Culinary Education, Mentorship, and Spice Entrepreneurship

PEMBROKE PINES, FL — May 10, 2025 — With over 20 years of culinary experience and a passion for education rooted in personal purpose, Chef Maika Frederic is transforming kitchens across South Florida and beyond.

As the founder of Just Maika Cooking, Growth Culinary LLC, and the Custom Herb Spice Shop, she blends professional culinary skill, hands-on teaching, and cultural storytelling to empower home cooks and food entrepreneurs to cook boldly and creatively.

A Culinary Career Rooted in Purpose

Chef Maika’s culinary background includes positions in premier kitchens such as The Ritz-Carlton, W South Beach, Rusty Pelican, Conrad Miami, and PGA National Resort. But her journey took a meaningful turn when her son was diagnosed with autism, ADHD, and intellectual disabilities.

Motivated by love and advocacy, she returned to school to study Behavioral Science and Special Education at Florida International University, later becoming a special education teacher and registered behavior technician.

This experience deepened her approach to teaching—emphasizing patience, creativity, and the belief that everyone can learn, thrive, and express themselves through food.

“My son gave me the lens to teach with heart. Now I use that same lens to help others find joy and confidence in the kitchen,” says Chef Maika.

The Birth of Just Maika Cooking

In 2022, she launched Just Maika Cooking, a blog and cooking class experience built to teach culinary techniques, celebrate global ingredients, and support creative home cooking.

From interactive classes at Sistrunk Marketplace in Fort Lauderdale to accessible recipe tutorials and step-by-step kitchen guides, Just Maika Cooking helps people make delicious food with meaning and style—no matter their background or experience.

Empowering the Next Generation Through Education

In addition to her business ventures, Chef Maika is committed to giving back through hands-on education and community outreach. She currently serves as a culinary instructor for Black Girls Cook Miami, a nonprofit organization that empowers young Black girls through the culinary arts, nutrition education, and entrepreneurship.

Through her workshops, she helps youth explore global cuisines, develop kitchen confidence, and understand the deeper connection between food, culture, and wellness.

“When I teach with Black Girls Cook, it’s more than just cooking—it’s about identity, culture, and planting seeds of confidence. These girls are future leaders, and the kitchen is just the beginning,” she says.

Her community involvement reflects her larger mission: to create inclusive spaces where food becomes both a source of nourishment and a platform for empowerment.

Growth Culinary: Supporting Culinary Creators

As the founder of Growth Culinary LLC, Maika also supports food entrepreneurs through services like SEO-rich content, recipe development, and brand-building support. Her work helps creators grow their platforms intentionally, while staying true to their cultural and culinary roots.

Custom Herb Spice Shop: Global Flavor, Small-Batch Integrity

Chef Maika is also the force behind the Custom Herb Spice Shop, a small-batch seasoning line sold on Etsy and her blog. Each handcrafted blend is inspired by real ingredients and cultural depth—from warming island spices to citrus-infused rubs—and reflects her mission to make global flavors more accessible to every kitchen.

“Everything I create—whether it’s a spice blend or a blog post—is about making cooking more accessible, more flavorful, and more personal. I want people to know that they belong in the kitchen, and their stories belong in their food.”

Collaborate, Connect, or Cook Together

To book Chef Maika or request a media kit, please email:
📩 [email protected]

Visit:
🌐 justmaikacooking.com
🌐 growthculinary.com
🛒 etsy.com/shop/CustomHerbSpiceShop

Alternative Short Bio

Chef Maika Frederic is a South Florida-based culinary educator, food blogger, and founder of Just Maika Cooking and Growth Culinary LLC. With over 20 years of experience in luxury kitchens and a background in behavioral science and special education, she brings a unique, inclusive approach to teaching. Inspired by her son’s journey with autism, ADHD, and intellectual disabilities, Maika empowers home cooks and food entrepreneurs to explore global ingredients, cook with confidence, and support small food brands. She also leads cooking classes and develops small-batch spice blends through her Custom Herb Spice Shop.