Carla is the owner of Executive Chef of Alchemy Caterers in Washington, D.C. Her food balances the heart and soul of the South and the refinement of her classic French training. A native of Nashville, Carla graduated from Howard University with a degree in Accounting. However, her passions were elsewhere and she eventually discovered her love of food while modeling in Paris, Milan, and London. After graduating from L’Academie de Cuisine, Carla worked as Sous Chef at the Henley Park Hotel and Executive Chef at The State Plaza Hotel and The Washington Club. She enjoys creating memorable comfort dishes with fresh, seasonal and local ingredients. Carla has passed on her genuine love and joy for being in the kitchen by teaching at CulinAerie and L’Academie de Cuisine, as well as extending her personal philosophies in team building classes at different venues in the D.C. metropolitan area.