Plant-Based Chef & Educator & Health Coach
Entrepreneur | Recipe Developer
Zuliya, or as her friends affectionately call her, Zuzu, never imagined that a love for food would lead her to a life-changing career. Born and raised in Uzbekistan, she grew up surrounded by the rich aromas and vibrant flavors of Central Asian cuisine. But life had other plans. In 1997, she immigrated to the United States as a political refugee, carrying with her not just dreams of a better future but also the resilience to reinvent herself in a new land. For years, Zuliya climbed the corporate ladder, securing a six-figure salary and ticking off the so-called “success” checkboxes. But something was missing. The job that once excited her had become a cycle of endless meetings and rigid expectations. It wasn’t until seven years ago that she had a revelation—money and titles weren’t fueling her happiness anymore. What truly ignited her soul was cooking and dancing. The decision to leave her corporate career behind was met with skepticism. Friends and family dismissed it as a phase, a temporary escape from the grind of high-stakes business. But as the weeks turned into months, Zuliya found herself drawn deeper into the culinary world. The kitchen became her sanctuary—a place where creativity had no limits, where each dish was a canvas, and where she could blend flavors like an artist mixes colors on a palette.
One morning, she woke up with an undeniable certainty: this wasn’t just a break. This was her calling. From that moment, she never looked back. Determined to deepen her knowledge, she pursued a plant-based nutrition degree from eCornell Nutrition Studies in 2019.
Armed with expertise and passion, her work soon caught the attention of major media outlets. Mantra Yoga Magazine, VegOut Magazine, FeedFeed, and Women’s Health Magazine all featured her recipes, celebrating her ability to make plant-based meals not just nutritious but irresistibly beautiful.
Her food styling and photography were showcased on platforms like PopSugar, Best of Vegan, and countless others, cementing her place in the culinary world.
But her journey didn’t stop there. In 2020, in the midst of a global pandemic, she took a leap of faith and auditioned for the very first Top Chef Amateurs show on Bravo TV. Against all odds, she not only competed but emerged victorious, winning the title of Top Chef on national television. It was a defining moment—a testament to the power of following one’s passion, even when the path is uncertain.
Today, Zuliya continues to inspire through her food, her storytelling, and her fearless pursuit of joy. What started as a bold step into the unknown has blossomed into a career that brings her fulfillment every single day. And to those who once doubted her decision, she now serves up the most satisfying response—one delicious dish at a time.
