Since stepping into the kitchen, Shyuan Brown has rediscovered a passion she once thought was out of reach. Cooking wasn’t always her strong suit—she joked about once burning a cup of noodles—but life had other plans. Growing up in a single-parent household, she quickly found herself responsible for more than most kids her age, preparing meals for her little sister and while her mom was at work or school.After graduating high school, Shyuan went straight into the workforce, landing her first job as a line cook at a salad bar. She loved the rush and rhythm of the kitchen, but found herself disheartened when working in larger, corporate restaurants where creativity was stifled and mentorship was lacking. Yet, her mom never stopped encouraging her to return to what made her happiest—cooking When her mother was on bed rest, Shy stepped up without hesitation, she became the cook of her family. Her mom saw her passion for the culinary field and she found Sprouts and encouraged Shyuan to apply. Shy was accepted to the program and paired with chef Sebastian Brown at The Holbrook House. When Shy joined the Sprouts Chef Training program, she was nervous. She doubted herself, especially knowing there is a big difference between cooking at home and stepping into a professional kitchen. But thanks to her resilience, she quickly found her footing. Now, she feels more confident than ever, crediting Holbrook’s warm and welcoming team, who treat her like family. Chef Sebastian, in particular, has become a mentor who not only guides her but takes time to explain techniques, share wisdom, and create a space where she feels truly seen and heard.Shy’s growth has been remarkable. Her crowning achievement was when she made scallop crudo that received accolades from the customers. She has also sharpened her knife skills, learned to preserve lemons, elevated her prep techniques, and even prepared crustini for her grandmother’s birthday, receiving glowing feedback from family. Her crowning achievement being her vastly improved knife skill. She now brings these new skills home, impressing her mom and sister, who have become her biggest fans. The kitchen has also helped her find peace. What was once a source of anxiety has become a place where she feels like she belongs. She is even finding joy in the little things—like learning how to properly season without relying on salt or watching a steak sear perfectly in the pan. Every shift leaves her eager to learn more, often staying up late to practice or teach her mom the techniques she’s picked up.Beyond the kitchen, Shy carries a story of resilience. Balancing family responsibility, financial hardship, and the emotional weight of helping raise her sister has never been easy. But through it all, her mom has been her superhero, reminding her of her worth and pushing her to pursue her dreams. Though she once thought college or nursing were her only paths forward, Shyuan now sees a different future for herself. She dreams of becoming a chef, opening her own restaurant and working her way to the top. For the first time in a long time, she feels like she's exactly where she's meant to be.