Yana Tarassova’s relationship with food began in childhood, shaped by the sight of her Ukrainian grandmothers caring for garden harvests and baking in wood-fired ovens. That early sense of reverence has grown into a practice rooted in community, sustainability, and holistic nutrition. Over the years, she has worked in a range of roles, including managerial positions, baker, and prep cook, bringing both skill and heart to every kitchen she enters.
She feels most fulfilled when preparing nourishing meals for small groups gathered around healing. For Yana, food is more than sustenance — it is a way to support strength, care, and connection within a wider community. Alongside her work in the kitchen at Gather the Table, she also studies Philosophy and Creative Writing at UBC, balancing creativity, entrepreneurship, and a deep commitment to thoughtful living.