About Krafted by kiki

My name is Khiyara Long (Kiki). I am a 23-year-old Private Chef/ business owner. I began cooking at a young age and developed a passion. I’ve always enjoyed being in the kitchen, and I have picked up a lot from my family members over the years. By 9, I only wanted culinary tools and cookbooks for Christmas/birthdays. I was always fascinated by how you can be creative with food and loved how food brought people together.

My family is very important to me, and I have always cherished memories at the dinner table. As time passed, my love for cooking/baking grew, and I joined my high school’s culinary program. In that program, I learned the foundation of cooking and realized it was a career I wanted to pursue. I then decided to enroll in Culinary School. I attended Johnson & Wales University in North Miami for my bachelor’s in Culinary Arts, graduating in 2021.

Throughout my school journey, I picked up a variety of experiences via volunteering and participating in local events and other school functions. I was able to see the food and beverage industry from all aspects on both fronts of the house and back-of-the-house settings. Upon graduating, I received a job offer from a local country club in my area and began working there to further my experience. While working, I decided to continue my studies and pursue a master’s degree in Hospitality at Florida International University. At that time, I was also inspired to start my own business.

What started as a page displaying my culinary works has now become my business entity, Krafted By Kiki. I’ve always wanted my own business to create dishes on my terms and be allowed creative freedom. Cooking is my way of expression, and I view it as art. I love sharing my Kraft with friends, family, and newcomers. It has truly been an amazing experience being an entrepreneur. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and I am grateful I have had the opportunity to pursue my Kraft full-time.