Hidden Gems: Meet Lisa Pham of Camellia Culinary Consultation LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Pham.

Hi Lisa, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m a Vietnamese American who grew up in a very food-centered household. My earliest memories are tied to the kitchen; watching my parents and relatives prepare dishes like phở bò, cá kho tộ, chả giò, and bánh cuốn. In my family, food was more than just meals, it was how we expressed love. Even after arguments, my parents would quietly slide a little plate of cut-up fruit into my room as a way to make amends. That gesture always stuck with me and it showed how deeply food could speak without words. From a young age, I knew I wanted to work in food and health. I was always fascinated by the idea that food could heal, especially the traditional herbs and ingredients we use in Vietnamese cooking like rau răm, lá chanh, and ngải cứu. I felt strongly about the need to decolonize our diets and to see cultural foods not as unhealthy or “less than,” but as deeply nourishing and medicinal. That passion led me to earn my Master of Public Health (MPH) in Nutrition and become a Research Assistant for UNC. Eventually, I crossed paths with my now-business partner, Celeste Goodwin during my MPH program, who said, “I know you know how to cook, so want to be a personal chef for my company?” Of course I said yes! That opportunity blossomed into a partnership, and now I’m proud to be one of the co-owners of Camellia Culinary Consultation LLC, alongside Celeste and Hannah Malian (our amazing baker).

A fun fact about me: I actually love the process of cooking more than eating. There’s something meditative and joyful about the act of preparing food for others and it just feels like a continuation of the love I received growing up.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. As a Vietnamese American, I grew up with a lot of love but also a lot of pressure to pursue a “safe” and respectable career. My parents, like many immigrant parents, wanted me to become a doctor, an engineer, or at least work in some STEM field. They had sacrificed so much to build a stable life here, and in their eyes, that kind of career represented success, security, and status. So, when I started leaning toward food, nutrition, and public health, there was definitely some tension. Cooking was seen more as a hobby but not something you build a serious career around. But I always knew food was more than just something I enjoyed. It was how I processed the world. It was my way of caring for people. And I felt called to explore the deeper power of food especially cultural food as medicine, as community, as resistance. I decided to follow that passion, even when it felt uncertain. I pursued my MPH in Nutrition and that really helped me bridge the gap between science and cultural tradition. Over time, my parents started to see that what I was doing wasn’t frivolous but it was rooted in health, education, and impact. It’s also been beautiful to see them come full circle. They used to want me to be a doctor. Now they’re the first to ask me about gut health or which herbs help with inflammation. They’ll joke, “You’re still healing people just through the kitchen.”

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Camellia Culinary Consultation LLC is a personal chef and nutrition service that centers food as culture, care, and healing. Founded and co-owned by trained chefs and public health professionals including a registered dietitian. We offer in-home meal prep services tailored to your nutritional needs, medical conditions, cultural background, and budget. At Camellia, we don’t just feed you instead we help you reconnect to your roots, reduce food stress, and reclaim mealtime as a nourishing ritual.

What sets us apart is how deeply personal our service is. We don’t deliver a box of pre-made meals from a limited menu. Instead, we create a customized menu just for you, source groceries that align with your dietary needs and financial goals, and cook everything fresh in your kitchen. We use your own containers, reduce packaging waste, and leave your space sparkling clean. It’s a low-stress, sustainable, and budget-conscious alternative to commercial meal delivery services.

We are proud to support a wide range of clients, including those undergoing cancer treatment, managing diabetes, or navigating complex medical diets with compassion and culinary creativity. But what truly defines Camellia is our cultural lens. We understand that food is a reflection of identity and heritage. Whether it’s honoring the traditional ingredients you grew up with, decolonizing your diet, or integrating ancestral herbs and healing practices into your meals, we cook with care and cultural respect. Whether you’re seeking weekly service, a shared plan with a neighbor, or just some help getting back on track, we’ll meet you where you are!

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Growing up in an immigrant household, there was a strong emphasis on stability on choosing a career that offered security and predictability. The biggest leap came when I decided to pursue my Master of Public Health in Nutrition and later, when I said yes to becoming a personal chef and co-owning Camellia Culinary Consultation. It was a leap into something less conventional and building a business that blends food, culture, and healing. But I took the risk because I truly believe in the power of food to nourish both the body and the soul and that people deserve personalized care when it comes to nutrition. For me, risk-taking isn’t about blind leaps into the unknown but it’s about following what aligns with your values and trusting the process.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.camelliaculinaryconsultation.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/camelliaculinary/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/camellia-culinary-consultation/