In the summer of 2022, at a point where I found myself well beyond the quarter-life crisis and still grappling with Covid-19 concerns, a refreshing realization began to dawn on me. It was a Sunday, following a day spent outdoors, grilling with my family, savoring the joy of good food. As I returned home, a different feeling overwhelmed me—not the typical reluctance associated with a looming Monday, but a deeper sense of discontent. This wasn't just the usual Monday blues; it was a profound shift.
The beginnings of my journey take root in post-war Sarajevo, where life called for dedication to study, work, and the pursuit of success. Scholarships, international ventures, earning a bachelor's degree, and starting my master's journey in Czech Republic - all meticulously orchestrated. My life unfolded as a story of diligence, with each milestone achieved not just as a duty but fueled by the belief that this trajectory would shape a brighter future for myself and my family.
During these years, while building a solid foundation in the corporate world, there was a persistent undertone - an unexplored passion for the culinary arts. As much as I excelled in the world of marketing and business, there was a part of me that whispered about untapped potential in the realm of food. It was a subtle voice, urging me to explore and provide space for the growth of this overlooked facet of my identity.
In essence, my journey isn't a story of hardship but a narrative of continuous growth and self-discovery. It's about finding harmony between the professional strides I've made and the innate passions that have quietly beckoned throughout, waiting for the right moment to be acknowledged and embraced.
My husband enrolled me in an amateur cooking course, in my hometown Sarajevo and I remember I had to hurry after work twice a week to be able to cook for 3-4 hours with other cooking enthusiasts. This was the Cooking Academia in Sarajevo, led by chef Nermin Hodzic. I remember looking forward to Tuesday and Thursday evening more than anything during the week. Then I would wait for weekends to recreate the dishes and just keep on cooking.
As I entered my thirties while occupying the pinnacle of my corporate career, a newfound realization dawned upon me. It was a moment of recognizing the vast possibilities ahead and embracing the opportunity to explore another dream that had quietly lingered. This wasn't about wanting out; it was about opening doors to a new chapter of possibilities and fulfilling aspirations that had patiently waited their turn. It was during this dynamic period that, with unwavering support from my closest confidants, I decided to rewrite my narrative and pursue a dream that had lingered since childhood—working with food and becoming a chef.
Embracing culinary school was a defining moment, a departure from the confines of corporate life into the world of flavours that had always stirred my soul. So, after finishing with my cooking crash course, and after quitting my job, I decided to go back to school. This is where Kul In came into play. I was following the school and what they do for a few years, but I never thought I would become a part of it. It requested time that I did not have and courage to leave everything and move once again – and I did not have that either. Until I did. I applied during that summer and in September I got a call where they let me know that I was in and that we needed to proceed with logistics of me moving to Croatia for the next three months. The school managed to put a year worth of culinary training and education in three months.
Needless to say, this meant three very intense months. In this period, I was basically sleeping and going to school. This meant I was cooking for three months straight almost all the time. I was exhausted and I was happy. I was scared almost all the time, scared I am too old, I don’t have what it takes, that I started too late, that they will see right through me – your typical millennial syndrome at work. I overcame it with the support of the best mentor and an exceptional crew who made me believe I had the talent and determination to persevere. And so, I did, 3 months later I had one of the most stressful and yet most fulfilling days of my life – the final exam. The day I got the official title of culinary chef.
The journey hasn't been without its challenges, but every twist and turn has led me to this moment—one step closer to the life I've always yearned for. I owe a debt of gratitude to the exceptional individuals who encouraged me during moments of doubt and reassured me that I deserved happiness. To that special bunch of humans, you know who you are—your unwavering support fueled my transformation.
This is my story, a testament to the fact that it's never too late to be true to yourself. It's an ode to the pursuit of happiness, to daring to chase dreams, and a celebration of the culinary journey that has brought me back to life.
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