We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Liz Espina a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Liz thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

My name is Liz Espina, and I’m the Chef and founder of Happy Kitchn Studio. My journey into the world of culinary arts, particularly Italian cuisine, was driven by a deep passion for cooking and a lifelong appreciation for how food can bring people together. From a young age, I was captivated by the way food has the power to connect cultures, families, and communities. It was this love for food’s unifying power that inspired me to create Happy Kitchn Studio.

The idea for Happy Kitchn Studio was born from my desire to share meaningful experiences centered around food. Italian cuisine, especially pasta-making, has always enchanted me because of how something as simple as a dish of pasta can create moments of joy and connection. At the same time, I noticed a growing need for authentic, human connections in an increasingly fast-paced world. I, too, felt this desire, and cooking classes—particularly ones focused on pasta—seemed like the perfect way to foster those connections.

Happy Kitchn Studio was never just about teaching people how to cook. It was about offering a space where people could step away from their daily routines, roll up their sleeves, and find joy in creating something with their own hands. There’s something incredibly therapeutic about making pasta from scratch, and I wanted others to experience that same sense of calm, accomplishment, and joy that I feel when I cook. It’s this passion for connection, creativity, and comfort that fuels everything we do at Happy Kitchn Studio.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

At Happy Kitchn Studio, we specialize in pasta-making experiences that range from hands-on classes to personalized ‘at-home’ pasta-making events. Whether it’s a small group workshop, a private event, or a virtual class, the goal is always the same: to teach people the art of making pasta from scratch while also giving them the tools to build confidence in the kitchen.

What sets Happy Kitchn Studio apart is that it’s not just about teaching technical skills; it’s about creating meaningful experiences around food. We solve the problem of people feeling disconnected from their food, from each other, and even from themselves in today’s fast-paced world. I noticed early on that many people long for a deeper connection to what they eat and how they prepare it. That’s where our studio comes in—we offer a place where people can slow down, engage with the process, and find joy in creating something from scratch.

I’m most proud of the community we’ve built through Happy Kitchn Studio. Watching our clients leave with not only new cooking skills but also a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment is incredibly rewarding. Whether it’s families coming together, friends bonding over a shared activity, or individuals discovering a new passion, these experiences are what I cherish most about this work.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I arrived in the United States six years ago, full of certainty that I would achieve my greatest dream. Now, I can see how that vision has materialized in such a short time. When I first landed in New York, it felt like the universe brought incredible opportunities and wonderful people into my life—something I’m deeply grateful for. Those experiences reaffirmed my passion, my purpose, and the belief that I could continue dreaming without limits.

From the moment I stepped into the culinary world, I knew I was born with an entrepreneurial spirit. I’ve always loved creating ideas, building brands, and developing businesses. Presenting Venezuelan cuisine, which is rooted in my heritage, alongside the flavors and techniques I’ve learned over the years, fills me with pride. For me, cooking has never just been about the food. I create comfort dishes that evoke special moments in the lives of my clients, cooking from the heart, inspired by the sensory memories of flavors from the happiest times that shaped who I am.

I’ve spent months developing my personal brand because I recognize my strengths, and I wanted to present the best version of myself to the world. This digital age has given me the freedom to create, innovate, and share my dreams on a larger scale.

My purpose is to give my best today, to enjoy who I am, and live in the moment without expectations. I learn from every experience and strive to keep my energy high, knowing that anything is possible.

Happy Kitchn Studio is now my way of doing what I love, on my own terms, right here in Miami. It allows me to connect with others, give back to the community, and be creative through pasta. It’s a space where I can spread knowledge and love, making people feel special while sharing the joy of creating something meaningful. Through Happy Kitchn Studio, I get to live out my passion every day, and that’s a gift I’m grateful for.

Have you ever had to pivot?

In 2020, the pandemic brought a profound shift to my life and business, leading to a period where I lost everything I had been working towards. However, this challenging time turned out to be the perfect opportunity for me to tap into my creativity and pursue my dreams with renewed vigor.

During the pandemic, I launched The Blue Plate, a project that remains close to my heart. It was a venture focused on vegan and healthy food, crafted with love using local ingredients in a very small kitchen. Despite the challenges of running a solo operation and the world seemingly collapsing around me, The Blue Plate became a lifeline. It allowed me to validate my talents, proving to myself that I could handle adversity and thrive.

This project not only saved my professional life but also reignited my passion and resilience. It was during this period of uncertainty that I realized the depth of my capabilities and the importance of following my dreams, no matter how daunting the circumstances may seem

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.happykitchnstudio.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/lizcespina/

Image Credits

Photos by Camila Funes