Born and raised in East Cleveland, Ohio, Chef Chana took a non-traditional path to the culinary world. After graduating from high school, she enlisted in the U.S. Navy, seeking opportunity and growth beyond the classroom. Following her military career, she settled in Virginia and pursued advanced welding. However, something was missing. Driven by her true passion, she made a bold pivot and enrolled in culinary school.

Fueled by a lifelong love for cooking, Chef Chana honed her skills through hands-on experience in several 5-star hotels along the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. She later joined a catering company, where she gained a deeper understanding of the culinary industry—and where the vision for her own brand began to take shape. In 2019, BiteSize Kitchen was born, blending her creative spirit with refined, elegant dishes.

In 2022, Chef Chana’s culinary journey was recognized when she was featured in Collabs.IO Magazine, a publication that highlights emerging culinary talent and small business owners. The following year, in 2023, after the passing of her father, she was encouraged by her mentor to honor his memory by stepping outside her comfort zone. She entered the 2nd Annual Breaking Bread Competition and quickly made her mark, winning the first week’s face-off and ultimately placing third overall. The experience brought her passion and skill to a wider audience, solidifying her presence in the culinary world.

Today, BiteSize Kitchen hosts “Chef’s Table”, a monthly pop-up fine dining experience in unique venues across Hampton Roads. Alongside her pop-up events, Chef Chana is known for bringing art to the table through all of her services—pairing creativity with elegance and crafting dishes that are as visually stunning as they are flavorful, using bold, globally inspired ingredients.

For Chef Chana, food is more than just a meal—it’s a way to connect, tell stories, and create a lasting impression.