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

Theresa, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you get your first job in the field that you practice in today?

While I worked in a couple of kitchens prior, my first real sous chef/recipe development job was at the TD Garden in Boston, MA. I wanted out of the kitchen I was in and I saw a Craigslist ad for the arena in Boston where the Celtics and Bruins play. At the time, I lived about 45 minutes outside of Boston, without traffic, but something still pulled me to apply. I sent in my resume and was granted an interview where I met with the executive chef of the luxury suites and boardroom. He was super chill and had the attitude like, “it’s just food”. He hired me on the spot and while it was for less than I was hoping, I just knew this would be a good experience for me. I really felt it in my heart that this was going to be a great place for me to work.

I started a couple weeks later. I took the one hour train ride into the city and was so nervous the entire time. I was a commuter! I was going to try something so much different than what I was used to. I was hired on to work in the prep kitchen downstairs but they decided to have me stay in the main kitchen and make food for their member’s only club, The Boardroom. I was able to prove myself with recipe development and menu planning. I eventually was asked to work in The Boardroom during games and to cook for VIP guests in the arena’s luxury suites. I got to cook for athletes, celebrities, high profile professionals and even one time a master chef who was very impressed with my pistachio mousse. I watched every Celtics and Bruins home game and every concert and show that came through. After my second year I was promoted to Kitchen Supervisor/Sous Chef and I really got to test my skills in the kitchen. This was truly a dream job. I met so many incredible people, got to see bands and performances I could only dream of and I even got to watch the Celtics win an NBA Championship.

As I sit here and look back on that position and the process of applying, I realize getting the job wasn’t that hard. My chef at the time was really laid back. I later had a chef that truly pushed me and my abilities and I am beyond grateful for him but, something really pulled me into that position. I had no business applying for a job that I would have to drive 30 minutes to a train and then sit on said train for 45 min more for the amount of money I would be making. Yet, I still did it and I am grateful I did since I truly don’t think I would be where I am today without that experience.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

My passions are plant-based diets and longevity. I help brands with recipe development and nutrition education to help get their message across in a way that consumers can digest (pun intended). I also help dietitian entrepreneurs with their social media and recipe development.

At an individual level, I offer 1 on 1 consults for anyone looking to switch to a primarily plant-based diet. I love helping people live long, healthy, mentally sound lives through diet and lifestyle.

I am hoping to get more into media. I absolutely love writing blogs, writing quotes for magazine or web articles and being on camera. Looking to add more of that to my repertoire.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

I think that some people may think I am crazy for this but the book and movie, The Secret, completely changed my life. I was a terribly negative person prior to watching it and it really opened my eyes that we receive back what we put out into the world. The universe only sends you things, feelings and ideas that are on the same vibration as you. The only thing about The Secret that is lacking is action. You can’t just imagine everything will pop up in your life and then there it is. You have to put the work in, believe you already have it and it will come. This is how I feel about my business and schooling. I truly believe the reason I have gotten to do the amazing things I have done in my life is because of this way of thinking.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

Consistency. Without consistency you are nothing. Nobody goes to the bakery that picks and chooses when it is open. Same with your business. If you aren’t consistent, you can’t grow, and without growth, there may not be success. Consistency is everything.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.teatimewithtree.com
• Instagram: @tea_time_with_tree
• Facebook: @teatimewithtree

Image Credits
Courtney Cooper