Cook Stars Franchise

Meet Joanna, our latest franchisee who is now the happy owner of Cook Stars Tee Valley East!

"My favourite place in the house is the kitchen. You can be guaranteed to find me there on a Sunday afternoon with some tunes on, cooking several dishes at once to prepare for the week ahead. I have always loved cooking, I remember following the instructions on how to bake a Victoria Sponge when I was 10 and hoping for the best! I would best describe myself as an experimental cook, I love to use what is in my cupboards to come up with interesting new dishes to try out with my family.

I have been a teacher for over 16 years at secondary school and at college, which I have really enjoyed but I am now ready for a change and a new challenge. I really enjoy working with children and I am really excited to combine my love of cooking with teaching and it's crazy that I will get do this as my everyday job!

My favourite part of teaching has always been the extra-curricular stuff, where I would get to know my students as individuals and see them grow in confidence. I used to lead expeditions with the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme and the fun part was teaching them how to cook with camping stoves and then seeing them prepare their own meals and enjoying S'mores in the evening at camp!

As a busy mum of two, I've always encouraged my children to help in the kitchen so that they develop a healthy relationship with food but I know how hard it is to find the time to cook with your little ones - juggling work, after school clubs and general life. This is the part that I want to help you with, my classes will be relaxed, catered for all children and most all - FUN! Giving parents a well-deserved break for an hour or two.

I look forward to seeing you at one of my classes, workshops or parties very soon and creating lots of delicious recipes with your children." Joanna (Cook Stars Tee Valley East)