Meet Kalm Kitchen’s new addition to the team – Event Manager Grace. Joining us from a stint travelling the world as cabin crew at BA, Grace tells us why she’s a pro at rustling up Buddha bowl and why she spends her spare time upside down. Plus, she shares her pro tips for planning a perfect party…

Q// Hi Grace, when did you join Kalm Kitchen and what have been your first tasks to get stuck into?

I first joined Kalm Kitchen in 2017 as part of the waiting staff team alongside my college studies. I absolutely loved working at all of the exciting events throughout that year. And being surrounded by such a lovely team of people made it so much fun. Following college, I took a couple of years out to work and travel. My mum actually sent me the advert for the new role at Kalm Kitchen as she knew how much I enjoyed my time with the company a few months ago. I applied and am so grateful to be back. Since returning, I have gone straight back into working and running the events as well as learning how to hold planning meetings with some of our wonderful clients.

Q// Tell us a little about what you did before joining Kalm Kitchen.

Before Kalm Kitchen I worked for British Airways as Cabin Crew. I worked both long and short haul travelling all over the world.

Q// What did your role at British Airways entail?

My role at British Airways could be very diverse. Although most of the time my job was focused around customer service and serving meals at 30,000 feet, Cabin Crew are also trained to be able to deal with a huge range of safety and security situations and can administer first aid to passengers when necessary. It could be quite scary at times but you definitely learn to keep your cool.

Q// Did you get to travel to some amazing places… Any highlights?

I was incredibly lucky to be able to travel to so many different places throughout my time at BA. I have always loved the United States and Australia, particularly Boston and the Gold Coast. Some of the best trips were the ones I could take my family on and show them around new destinations. Those were a real highlight for me.

Q// What are the things you’re most looking forward to about working with Kalm Kitchen?

Everything! It has been so much fun working at Kalm Kitchen from a different perspective than before, and getting to know the amazing team. I am particularly excited to have the opportunity to take couples through the whole process of planning and help to create their special day.

Q// What are the particular skills you think you have that make you good at your job?

Having studied graphic design and photography at school I really enjoy bringing new, creative ideas to the table, and I am always open to trying new things. I am also very committed and organised, which I have already found extremely helpful in this job.

Q// If you could choose a dream party to plan, what would it be?

I would love to plan a summer wedding for a friend or family member. I love the summer and I think that working with someone you know really well to create their vision would be such an amazing experience.

Q// What are your best tips for hosting a super successful party?

Don’t try to please everyone! Keep it simple and aim to create something that you will enjoy. If you are having fun your guests will be too.

Q// What’s your favourite food, meal and ingredient? And what’s your foodie guilty pleasure?

I am totally obsessed with sweet potatoes and bananas! I love Buddha bowls, smoothies and in the summer I live off of Acai bowls. My guilty pleasure would have to be any vegan cookies, banana bread or the Kalm Kitchen vegan brownies, which are incredible!

Q// What’s your signature dish – the one you’re an absolute pro at rustling up?

I would say any type of Buddha bowl. I use all of the left over vegetables, beans and rice from the week, make some type of sauce or dressing and it always seems to turn out pretty good!

Q// What do you do in your downtime?

I love yoga, so you can normally find me upside down at home or at the yoga studio! I also love to read, walk the dog and experiment with new vegan recipes. Plus I spend a lot of time with my gorgeous family and we all love to travel and explore new places as much as we can.

Q// What did you want to be when you were growing up, and are there any unfulfilled ambitions?

I always wanted to be a dancer. I danced from a very young age and was constantly performing or practicing at home. My focus shifted from dance as it was very competitive and I decided I didn’t want to be a part of that. I discovered yoga last year and have loved learning and exploring this way of moving. I would definitely like to do my yoga teacher training soon, travelling to somewhere like India or Bali to complete it as authentically as possible.

Q// If you had to make a rule for one day and everyone had to follow it, what would it be?

It’s not my rule but Metta. Metta means to care and wish well for other beings without judging them, to accept them independently of agreeing or disagreeing with them, and without wanting anything from them in return. It is a universal love that can overcome all social, religious, ethnic, political and economic barriers.

Q// What’s your favourite book, film and song?

I am a huge fan of both books and movies so I don’t think I could ever choose favourites. But I love all of John Green`s books, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs, Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty and all the Harry Potter books of course! Some of my favourite films are Love Actually, The Fault in Our Stars and Me Before You. You can normally find me listening to any Dean Lewis song.

If you’d like to speak to Grace or any of our lovely team about planning an event or your special day, get in touch at info@kalmkitchen.co.uk or call us on 01483 813360.

Photography: Eddie Judd {eddiejuddphotography.com}