Funky Chef’s First Ever Networking Event: "Our Table: Empowering Female Chefs x Tortola"
On March 30th, something special happened aboard our boat in Tortola. In a profession where schedules are unpredictable and time off is a rarity, we managed to gather an incredible group of female yacht chefs—all proud owners of Funky Chef jackets—for an afternoon of networking, connection, and professional growth. The turnout was better than we could have hoped for, and despite the many logistical hurdles (hello, regatta season and full marinas!), we pulled off a truly memorable event.
With the BVI Spring Regatta in full swing, dock space was impossible to come by, and many chefs who wanted to attend simply couldn't get their boats into Nanny Cay Marina. Luckily, my husband had arranged dockage well in advance, ensuring that our event could go ahead as planned. It was an afternoon focused on celebrating the talented women in our industry, fostering connections, and providing a well-deserved moment of recognition for those who often work behind the scenes.
The Power of Professional Photography
A huge highlight of the event was having local Tortola photographer Gild Costilla join us. For two hours, she captured stunning professional headshots of the attending chefs—something that many of us rarely take the time to prioritize. Whether for personal branding, job applications, or simply a confidence boost, these photos were a gift to the hardworking women who make yacht galleys run seamlessly.
It’s easy to overlook something like a headshot, especially when your days are filled with long shifts and tight deadlines. But for many, these photos could be a game-changer, offering an opportunity to stand out in a competitive industry. Having a professional headshot can help a chef land new contracts, boost their visibility on social media, or simply feel more confident when presenting themselves in a professional light.
In between photos, we did what chefs do best—talked, shared experiences, and supported one another. It became clear that beyond just an opportunity for headshots, this event filled a gap that many of us hadn’t even realized existed: the need for more spaces where female chefs in yachting can connect.
The discussions that unfolded revealed shared experiences that only women in our industry could understand—challenges with work-life balance, the occasional frustration of being underestimated in a male-dominated environment, and the need for more recognition of the invaluable role women play in making yacht galleys run smoothly.
More Than Just a Gathering—A Networking Opportunity
Unlike traditional social events where interactions can feel fleeting, this meet-up gave us all a chance to truly engage. In the high-paced world of yachting, many of us may have never met otherwise, even though we share the same industry and often the same struggles. The afternoon was filled with candid conversations about work-life balance, the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field, and the importance of recognition and visibility for female chefs.
We spoke about the physical demands of the job, from long hours in tight spaces to the mental resilience required to lead teams in high-pressure situations. We shared stories of victories—whether it was finally being trusted to create a menu for a charter guest or overcoming a difficult kitchen challenge. And we also shared moments of vulnerability, acknowledging the times when we felt isolated, overlooked, or undervalued.
What stood out most was the sense of community. In a profession that often feels competitive, this gathering was a reminder that we are stronger when we lift each other up. It became clear that female yacht chefs are not just colleagues—they are a support system, offering advice, encouragement, and opportunities to one another.
This sense of community and connection has inspired something bigger. After seeing how meaningful this event was, we’re taking Funky Chef gatherings to the next level.
Looking Ahead: Charleston, Here We Come
Building on the success of our Tortola event, we’re thrilled to announce our next gathering on May 19th in Charleston, South Carolina. This time, we’re expanding beyond the yachting industry and opening the event to 30+ female chefs from across Charleston’s culinary scene. Our goal? To spotlight the incredible talent in the city and provide these chefs with professional headshots to elevate their careers.
Why Charleston? Not long ago, local Chef Tina McCard got onto my radar as she had just had some awesome new headshots taken by photographer Paul Cheney, in her Santorini jacket (featured) which I'd been tagged in on Instagram. I reached out saying how great the pics were, and it got me questioning myself, "Why don’t I have any good headshots?" Tina continued the thread saying she'd love to collaborate and organize some sort of event in Charleston, where she was based, and voila—here we are today!
But it’s not just about the photos. We’re bringing in media to highlight the chefs, ensuring that the city—and beyond—recognizes the women shaping its culinary landscape. For too long, female chefs have been undervalued and overlooked. This event is about changing that narrative, giving them the visibility they deserve, and strengthening the community of women in kitchens everywhere.
We’re also incredibly lucky to have renowned photographer Kate Blohm capturing this event. Known for her striking portraits, Kate’s work will help tell the story of these chefs, not just as professionals, but as the creative forces driving the industry forward.
Additionally, we’re excited to have been offered the use of the space 'Chef's Collective' by Chefs & Co-Owners Katie Williams and Andrea Pharis. This space, typically used for cooking events and classes, is the perfect fit for our gathering. It’s a place where creativity and collaboration are celebrated, and we couldn’t think of a better venue for this event.
Introducing Our Table: Empowering Female Chefs x Charleston
We’re proud to announce the official name of the event: "Our Table: Empowering Female Chefs x Charleston." This title perfectly encapsulates the spirit of what we aim to do—create a space where female chefs feel empowered, supported, and celebrated. It’s not just about bringing women together; it’s about providing them with a platform to shine and share their stories with the world.
Giving Back: A Movement in the Making
To attend, participating chefs will need to purchase a Funky Chef jacket, and we’re offering these jackets at a reduced rate to help cover some of the event’s costs. As a small business, we’re unable to absorb all the expenses ourselves, but by offering our jackets at this special price, we’re able to ensure the event remains sustainable. Proceeds from the jacket sales will help support the costs of this event and future gatherings, allowing us to continue building and empowering our community of female chefs. We’re committed to keeping these events accessible while also maintaining the quality and impact of the movement.
The Future of Funky Chef Events
If this past event has taught us anything, it’s that female chefs are eager for more opportunities to connect. This isn’t just about Funky Chef jackets—it’s about building a community where women in the culinary world feel seen, supported, and celebrated. Whether in yachting, restaurants, or other food industries, there’s a shared experience among us that deserves recognition.
This is only the beginning. Our vision is to host similar events in more cities, continuing to bring female chefs together, amplify their voices, and ensure that the world knows who they are. We want to create more opportunities for women in the culinary world to have a platform to share their stories, build relationships, and advance their careers.
To every chef who attended our first-ever event in Tortola, thank you for showing up, for sharing your stories, and for making this such a meaningful experience. We can’t wait to see you again soon—and to meet so many more of you in Charleston and beyond!
Want to Join Us in Charleston on May 19th?
Send us a direct message on Instagram. Entries close on April 30th. We can’t wait to see you there!