Sujhey Beisser

Fabulous People: Sujhey Beisser

After starting a food blog to document recipes, Sujhey Beisser of Five Senses Palate decided to explore becoming a personal chef after she successfully donated a five-course dinner for a fundraiser. “I still share recipes from time to time, but my main focus is cooking for dinner parties and special occasions.” Learn about Sujhey Beisser…

Hometown: Caracas – Venezuela

First job: I got my first real job at 17 as a Currency Exchange Teller for a national bank in Caracas after graduating from an internship banking program. I graduated from high school at 16 and a half. I couldn’t afford college, so I enrolled in a year-long banking internship program that would allow me to prepare professionally for a job. I was hired at the end of the program. My banking career started there. Eventually, I paid for my own college education. 

Favorite ways to spend your free time in WI: I love road trips, and I have learned to love all the seasons in Wisconsin. We take few weekend trips every year to explore small towns in Wisconsin. We also love camping and have been to many state parks. In the winter, I prefer to rent a cabin somewhere beautiful; in the summer or early fall, we camp in a tent. 

Your biggest accomplishment and why: I feel like every little accomplishment is significant in its own way when it happens, and it should be celebrated as such. I can go back and start with my high school diploma, you know, that was a significant accomplishment when I was 17. Landing my first job at a bank, putting myself through college while I worked full time, and graduating at 22, heck, getting approved for my first credit card at 21 – I remember inviting my whole family to eat paella at a restaurant to celebrate! Learning a new language at 20 and moving to a new country at 25. Marrying my husband, buying our home, having children, every promotion I’ve gotten at work, starting my business. Life is a journey, and I am proud of everything I have done, which has brought me here. 

The biggest obstacle you overcame: Poverty. I grew up with very little in a family of five – in a third-world country where the opportunities weren’t available for poor people. My shoes often had a hole for months before I could get a new pair. I attended school, found a job, and provided for myself while helping my family and still do. 

Someone who inspires you and why: My mom, for raising a family under challenging conditions, for teaching us values, for reading my schoolbooks, and staying up late to help me with homework and school projects.  

Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: I’d say to anyone following any career path to be persistent. It doesn’t matter what field you are in. You will need to dedicate time, educate yourself and be consistent in your efforts. Being uncomfortable is OK too. Do things out of your comfort zone, which means you are growing. 

Favorite quote: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” –Maya Angelou

Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: That I attended one of the most prestigious modeling schools in Caracas when I was 22. We are talking about the school that graduated at least five Miss Universe. I never intended to be in a pageant, but I was highly interested in learning table etiquette and proper networking manners. I didn’t grow up going to restaurants or events, and as I entered the business world, I wanted to make sure that I knew how to present myself in that environment without being awkward. Don’t worry, I’m still awkward! Looking back that was a silly reason to learn. But I have to say that I don’t regret the time and money I spent on that academy. I learned a lot, not only about etiquette and manners, but I also learned about makeup, fashion, exercise routines and self-care.

What makes someone fabulous: AuthenticityWhat I mean by that is being true to yourself, to your beliefs and values. There is nothing more fabulous than a real you! 

Header photo credit: Tim Fitch Photography

Comments are closed.