Hailing from St. Louis, Mo., chef Michelle Wallace moved to Houston to study Healthcare Administration at Texas Southern University. However, her love for food and technique evolved while in her undergraduate studies. She became known amongst her college friends and softball teammates for her creative dishes on a budget. With such a large diversity of culture, the city of Houston has been one of the biggest influences to her approach to food and culture.

After graduating from Texas Southern University, Chef Wallace continued to be driven by her thirst for knowledge on cooking techniques and flavors. She decided to further her studies at The Art Institute of Houston to get formal culinary training to coincide with her natural abilities to create interesting flavors. While in culinary school, Chef Wallace did a 3-week study abroad in China. She was able to study in three different cities, Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai. Time with the locals and studies in culinary schools there help develop and evolve her palate and techniques.

Since graduating culinary school, Michelle has had an amazing journey through the restaurant industry. Her time working at Houston’s Restaurant has allowed her to develop her front of house skills as a server, bartender and manager. She has been able to work under Houston famed chef Mark Holley at Pesce. She’s also been able to cook personally for many professional athletes of the city.