Today we’d like to introduce you to Chef Mai Spann.
Hi Chef Mai, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Hi, I’m Chef Mai. My love for baking began at an early age, starting with simple cookies and cake mixes and growing into a deep passion for creating desserts from scratch. Even as a child, I knew I wanted a career in the culinary world. Although I hoped to attend culinary school right after high school, that path was not part of God’s plan at the time.
Instead, I pursued a degree in IT during college, a field that offered stability but not fulfillment. Throughout those years, cooking remained my creative outlet, and I began catering small events for friends through word of mouth. What started as a hobby quietly reminded me of where my true passion lived.
After spending 12 years in the IT industry, I reached a point where I knew I needed to make a change. I decided to fully embrace my calling and enrolled in culinary school, where I thrived and graduated magna cum laude. From there, I gained experience working in hotels, restaurants, and catering companies, sharpening both my skills and my leadership in the kitchen.
I founded Say Grace Children’s Culinary Academy, a virtual culinary school for children ages 11 to 14. Guided by faith and rooted in community, the academy equips children with foundational culinary skills that build confidence, self-esteem, and essential life skills, while encouraging families to come together and share meaningful moments around the kitchen table.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Absolutely not. Building Say Grace Children’s Culinary Academy as an entrepreneur has come with its challenges, especially when it comes to financial stability—there’s no guaranteed paycheck, and you never know when the next client will come. On top of that, I didn’t have a blueprint for launching a culinary business, so it took time to find my niche in the culinary world and figure out exactly how to serve children and families in a meaningful way. Every challenge, however, taught me valuable lessons about perseverance, creativity, and trusting the process
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Say Grace Children’s Culinary Academy?
Say Grace Children’s Culinary Academy is a virtual school for children ages 11 to 14, where we teach hands-on classes that build confidence, creativity, and essential life skills. Our Foundational Series covers knife skills, proper measuring, and putting it all together, while Snacks (because kids love snacks), Breakfast and Dinner sessions make cooking fun and practical. We recently completed our Holiday Baking Series, featuring Dutch Apple Pie, Christmas Cookies, and Cupcakes with buttercream. It gave children a chance to explore seasonal favorites and develop real baking skills. Each class begins with gratitude while encouraging and inspiring the children.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Growing up in New York, I was surrounded by many cultures, and that’s where I first discovered my love for food. I spent a lot of time in my friends’ family kitchens, enjoying West Indian dishes, Puerto Rican favorites, and soul food. My dad also introduced me to many restaurants, giving me an early appreciation for different cuisines and the joy of sharing meals with others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.SayGraceAcademy.com
- Instagram: @SayGraceCCA
