My path to culinary foraging began unexpectedly, when our youngest children formed an instant friendship in kindergarten. Through playdates and family gatherings, I discovered Shelby's remarkable ability to transform simple ingredients into transportive experiences. While I had always nourished my family with home-cooked meals, watching Shelby's intuitive approach to gathering and preparing food opened my eyes to new possibilities in the kitchen.

Under her guidance, my own culinary curiosity blossomed. Family favorites emerged from our shared experiments - including the now-legendary "Shelby Potatoes" - and my kitchen became a space of discovery and joy. Over time, our collaboration deepened as I assisted with recipe development, cooking classes, and intimate gatherings - each experience reinforcing the power of food to create lasting connections.

While Shelby wandered valleys and orchards in search of distinct flavors, I found my calling in nurturing the hive itself. My background in business and accounting, combined with years of understanding Shelby's unique approach to gathering and preparing food, created a natural foundation for partnership. When the opportunity arose to join forces in creating La Ruche, it felt like a natural extension of our shared journey. Together, we've created a perfect symbiosis. Through La Ruche, we're building more than a business; we're cultivating a space where friendship, food, and gathering intertwine. As we continue this adventure, I'm excited to help transform each carefully gathered treasure into moments of connection for our growing community.