Today we’d like to introduce you to Nadiya Huliychuk.
Hi Nadiya , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started Garlic Bloom right before COVID, originally as a catering business. Then the pandemic hit, events were canceled, people were staying home, and suddenly the business I had just started had to completely change. I switched to personal chef services and began cooking for families in their homes. What started as a way to adapt ended up becoming the heart of Garlic Bloom.
My cooking is very connected to my own journey. I grew up in Ukraine, where food is such an important part of family life, traditions, hospitality, and taking care of the people you love. Later I lived in Greece, where I discovered a different way of cooking with fresh ingredients, herbs, olive oil, vegetables, and simple Mediterranean flavors. Eventually I made Oregon my home, and I fell in love with the incredible local and seasonal ingredients we have here.
From there, Garlic Bloom grew very naturally. Today I provide personal chef services, private dinners and events, and kitchen organization. I love that my work allows me to become part of people’s lives, from their regular family meals to some of their most special celebrations.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely not. Starting a business right before a pandemic was probably my first big lesson in learning to adapt. I had a plan, and almost overnight that plan no longer worked. I had to figure things out as I went and be willing to change direction very quickly.
Building a business while raising a family has also been a challenge. As a mom and a business owner, there is always something that needs my attention, and finding that balance is still something I work on.
I’ve also had to learn so many parts of running a business that have nothing to do with cooking. There have been mistakes, uncertainty, long days, and a lot of learning by doing. But I think those experiences made me more flexible and creative. I’m much more comfortable now knowing that plans can change and that sometimes something better comes out of that change.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My work is very personal. I don’t have one set menu or even one cuisine that defines me. I create something different for each client depending on what they enjoy and what works for their family or event.
Travel is a huge source of inspiration for me. Food is always one of the first things I want to explore when I visit a new place. I collect cookbooks from around the world and love learning about different ingredients, techniques, and traditions and finding ways to bring those influences into my own cooking.
A big part of my work is also accommodating dietary restrictions, allergies, preferences, and different lifestyles. I do this with most of my clients, so flexibility and creativity have become a big part of how I cook. I never want someone to feel like they are getting the less exciting version of a meal just because there are foods they can’t eat.
What I’m especially proud of is the trust I’ve built with my clients. Many have been with me for a long time, and much of my business has come through word of mouth. When someone invites me into their home or asks me to cook for an important celebration, that trust means a lot to me.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
The best way to work with me is simply to reach out. I work with families who need regular personal chef services, as well as people planning private dinners, celebrations, and special events. I also offer kitchen organization for people who want their kitchen to work better for their everyday life.
I’m always open to collaborations with local businesses, wineries, farms, event professionals, and other people in our community when it feels like a good fit. I especially love opportunities that bring together great food, local products, and new experiences.
And honestly, one of the biggest ways people can support Garlic Bloom is through word of mouth. So much of my business has grown because someone enjoyed their experience and told a friend or family member about me. Every recommendation and referral means a lot to a small business like mine.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.garlicbloom.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garlicbloom/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/garlicbloompdx
