Today we’d like to introduce you to Bridgette Andersen.
Hi Bridgette, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Food was always a way I was shown love. Food became a way I gave love. I didn’t know that many years later the love of food, cooking, gathering and connecting would become a thriving business.
I had always cooked because it was how I spent time with my mom and nana. When I became a mom, it was something that was just natural and I never thought of more than a way to nourish and love my family.
One day a friend of mine, who also loved to cook, asked me if I wanted to take a cooking class at our local community college. It piqued my interest. With the help of a few friends, I was able to organize space in my life to take the class.
After my first class, cooking 101, I knew that this was something I was going to pursue. Even though I had four young children to care for, I felt deep in my soul that this was my new calling.
I sign up for culinary school and off I went. It did take me longer to get through because I had such a big family to take care of. Yet it didn’t matter, I loved going to class.
Before I even finished school, I had amazing friends who hired me to cater small events. I was excited and nervous, but I jumped right in.
Looking back, I am so grateful for those years, and for the friends who hired me. I made so many mistakes and yet I learned so much. My friends were encouraging and allow me to grow. It made it huge impact that I was not fully aware of until years later.
I spent many years catering small events in between raising a family. I wouldn’t necessarily call it a business then, more of a side gig to make extra money and keep doing something I loved.
Then, before I knew it, my children were older, I had a more free time and they wanted to work to earn money. I had promised them I would let them work with me to earn some money. I slowly started to pick up more events. As promised, I allowed them to work with me. They did small things to help out during the caterings, serve at the buffet table, throw garbage away, refill the beverage station.
They learned so much. We all learned so much. Teaching and working side by side with our children, showing them about a good work ethic has been one of the best benefits of owning this business.
When our youngest son was in high school, I felt a calling to do something a little different. I had enjoyed catering events, but I wanted to make a bigger impact. It took me a while to figure out what was next. Eventually, I discovered the world of functional medicine. Learning that food is medicine and how it helps heal, felt like a lightning bolt hit my heart. I knew that learning more about nutrition and ways to become a personal chef was the next move.
I spent a few years doing just that and grew an expanded business.
We moved to Santa Cruz in 2021. It had been a dream of ours to get close to the ocean and the Santa Cruz area was in our heart’s desires.
We now serve many families in the Santa Cruz, Monterey and in the South Bay areas with our personal chef services, private dining experiences and hands on cooking classes.
We are excited to be a part of such a beautiful community that has an abundance of fresh produce, food and people.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Challenges, so many!
Learning how to be a business owner. Having to rebuild the business after we moved to Santa Cruz. Learning to how to provide services at the highest level for our clients.
As you know, we’re big fans of The Free Spirit Kitchen . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
What should we know? What do you do, what do you specialize in / what are you known for?
Our Services
The Free Spirit Kitchen offers elevated personal chef services and private dining experiences designed for ease, presence, and connection. We create thoughtfully prepared meals and curated gatherings tailored to your lifestyle and needs. Every detail is guided by intentional care, nourishing both body and spirit through the way we cook and serve.
The Free Spirit Kitchen also offers Cooking Classes.
Fun, interactive cooking classes offered in-person and virtually.
Perfect for team building, date nights, or learning new skills, each class is engaging, hands-on, and designed to inspire confidence in the kitchen.
What sets you apart from others?
With over 20 years of experience, Bridgette is a soulful chef and intuitive kitchen alchemist devoted to nourishing both body and spirit.
As the founder of The Free Spirit Kitchen, she blends wholesome ingredients with deep intention, customizing meals that feel like home while honoring the rhythms of modern life. From weekly holistic meal prep for busy families to thoughtfully curated private dinners and boutique catering style experiences. Bridgette and her team of chef’s designs food that brings ease, beauty, and connection to the table. Giving a touch of magic to every table they serve
What are you most proud brand wise?
We give our clients time back. We prepare healthy, delicious, personalized meals for our personal chef clients so they can have more time to enjoy life.
When we create dining experiences, it gives our clients the freedom to relax in the privacy of their own beautiful homes.
Our cooking classes are fun and interactive. Helping people to connect, learn something new and share a meal they cooked together.
What do you want our readers to know about your brand, offerings, services, etc?
All of the above.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Surround yourself with others who have a business and have the desire to create. I wish I knew this sooner. It would have helped me doubt myself less.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thefreespiritkitchen.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefreespiritkitchen/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-free-spirit-kitchen-santa-cruz
- Other: https://share.google/qcSQ6GDmpkUbQsWRR
