Chef Tammy Maki’s earliest memories revolve around being in the kitchen with her mother.

From a young age, she loved creating and feeding people, making hundreds of cakes and dishes for family and friends at various events. Even while working in other fields, her passion for baking and experimenting continued after work hours. In her 40s, she decided to go back to school and pursue a degree in Baking and Pastry Arts. From the moment she walked into that class, she knew she had finally found her true calling. Her childhood experiences, where food bridged generations and brought everyone together, served as a significant source of inspiration.

Early in her career, Chef Tammy Maki’s was captivated by the Molecular Gastronomy movement. The scientific aspect of this profession deepened her love for baking and pastry arts. Today, she draws daily inspiration from ingredients. The excitement of discovering new ingredients from around the world is phenomenal and solidifies her decision to become a chef.

Since starting her business, every accomplishment has felt like a milestone. Raven Rising won Canada Post’s “Tales of Triumph-People’s Choice Award,” a national recognition that taught her valuable lessons. Earning ITAC’s “Original Original” accreditation was a significant achievement, establishing her business in the Indigenous tourism market and showcasing their unique culinary experience. Winning the Sudbury Chamber of Commerce “Small Enterprise Award” was particularly special, as it acknowledged her efforts in her hometown. Recently, she received the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada Award for Extraordinary Female Entrepreneur. Being recognized among so many strong female Indigenous businesswomen was astounding. However, her most significant accomplishment remains making her family proud. Family is everything to Chef Tammy Maki, and she dedicates all her successes to her late daughter, Kirsten, who always expressed her pride in her mother’s work.

Chef Tammy Maki is constantly seeking new ingredients from around the globe to incorporate into her creations. She is considering entering the export market with a slightly different product line and hopes to see major confectionery manufacturers adopt Indigenous elements in their businesses. She is also contemplating on relocating her business to her First Nation in Saskatchewan, aiming to establish infrastructure to teach various trades to her people. Indigenous people are vastly underrepresented, and she aspires to be part of that change. With numerous plans and aspirations, Chef Tammy Maki hopes to have the time to achieve them all.

For more on her culinary journey and updates on Raven Rising, follow:

@ravenrising.ca on Instagram

or

visit the website at www.ravenrising.ca.