Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Pulu.
Hi Kayla, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My inspiration for cooking came by the skilled hands of my mother, father, grandmothers, aunts, and uncles. Growing up I was mesmerized watching my dad, uncles, and brothers cook in dutch ovens over an open flame. Going out to wild berry patches and picking berries for my grandmothers to make jam. Observing aunties cook for the cowboys during branding. Watching my mom and aunties flap frybread. Being surrounded by such talented people is why my culinary journey began early on. At the age of 8, my grandmother bought me a notebook and helped me tape recipes from newspapers and magazines to experiment. While earning my degree at Utah Valley University, I still received newspaper clippings from my grandmother with notes of which recipes she would like to try first. During this time I began my culinary career at a recovery center and studied under another maternal figure. Together we cooked for notable businesses and people from all walks of life, both freelance and full time. I am now a wife, mother of two wild kids, and an independent successful business owner of Mama Bear Catering. Decades of experience and I’m still continuously learning both traditional and modern culinary skills. Sharing the knowledge through the food I create is what I strive to do.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Trying to figure out the balance between work and motherhood is always a challenge but this is where the name “Mama Bear Catering” started. Acknowledging when I need to step back from taking on more jobs when my kids need me is always difficult but they are my reason I started.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an indigenous chef and business owner. I specialize in creating traditional and hearty recipes using native and locally sourced ingredients. When someone tastes my food and asks where I learned to cook, I can proudly say, “my family”. That is what I am most proud of, carrying on my families traditions and recipes with a personal twist. I’m always willing to experiment with ingredients to find what best fits my clients needs and I think that sets me apart from others.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Not just one childhood memory but a big part of my childhood was camping trips. My family would go camping a lot and every year we would go camping outside of Elko, NV. This is a place where a majority of my core memories started. It is where I learned how to catch and clean a fish, make grass dolls, drive a car, and cook peach cobbler. Continuing the tradition for my kids, I hope they have similar experiences to look back on when they are older.
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