Behind the Apron: Chef Denise Portillo

About Chef Denise Portillo, The Chicana Farmer

I am Chef Denise Portillo, also known as The Chicana Farmer, a chef, author, and advocate dedicated to nurturing both people and the planet. As the founder of the Colibri Farm Collection, my work is rooted in sustainability, artistry, and a commitment to helping others eat better and live more mindfully.

With over 24 years of experience as a chef and 27 years as a florist, I’ve built a career that blends culinary excellence with creativity and service. My background also includes a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Psychology, which have deepened my understanding of the connection between food, mental health, and personal transformation. My journey has been shaped by resilience, creativity, and a desire to make beauty and nourishment accessible to all.

Career Highlights

  • Awards and Media: I’ve been named Culinary Woman of the Year and featured in numerous magazines and media outlets, showcasing my expertise in culinary arts and entrepreneurship.
  • Business Ventures: Over the years, I’ve owned and operated:
    • Farm-to-table restaurants
    • A yoga studio promoting wellness
    • A flower shop combining artistry and sustainability
    • A catering company focused on community and connection
  • Volunteer Work: Teaching underprivileged children and young adults has been a cornerstone of my mission. I’ve taught culinary and entrepreneurial skills, showing how to cook on a budget while fostering creativity and confidence.
  • Nonprofit Leadership: As the founder of Marina’s Ruby Slipper, I support single working mothers through programs that emphasize food, mental health, and community connection.

Books: Stories Rooted in Transformation

Unbroken Roots: Breaking Cycles, Healing Generations

This is the story of Isabella, a woman navigating the storms of life with resilience and hope. Her journey explores the power of healing and rewriting generational narratives, touching on universal themes of trauma, transformation, and self-compassion. Although fictional, Isabella’s story reflects the shared experiences of women who have faced loss, rejection, and abuse yet find the strength to heal and thrive.

Available now on:

Threads of the Apron (Coming January 2025)

This upcoming book tells the story of Elena Castillo, a chef whose journey begins in the calm of her family’s garden and leads her to the chaos and rhythm of professional kitchens. Through Elena’s fictional life, this book explores the challenges and triumphs of those who find purpose and family within the heat of the kitchen. It is a story of resilience, artistry, and finding peace in the work we love.

Excerpt:
“The garden’s natural calm soothed the chaos of her home life. It was here, her hands deep in the earth, that Elena first felt a calling—one that would later transform into a career built on passion, pressure, and self-expression.”

My Mission

Through my books, my culinary creations, and the Colibri Farm Collection, I aim to inspire others to reconnect with their roots—both literally and figuratively. I believe that food has the power to heal, storytelling has the power to transform, and creativity has the power to bring us closer to the beauty and abundance that life offers.