Today we’d like to introduce you to Ivelisse Adorno
Hi Ivelisse, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Chef Ive Adorno is a talented Puerto Rican chef who, since moving to Ohio in 2014, has built a reputation based on authentic flavors and the quality of her dishes. Her story is not only one of culinary achievement but also of resilience and a passion for serving her community.
It all began in Puerto Rico, where, as a newlywed, she moved to the west side of the Puerto Rico. She started cooking homemade and healthy lunches for her husband’s coworkers, and soon, her overwhelming talent led her to participate in local festivals, showcasing her cakes, cupcakes, cake pops, and her renowned tres leches. In less than a year, her reputation grew rapidly, attracting a large number of clients.
In 2012 and 2013, Chef Ive and her husband served meals to homeless individuals every Sunday, an expression of gratitude that, according to her, defines her lifestyle. Her path reached another milestone when she won the prestigious Chef Buen Hogar award from Puerto Rico’s renowned magazine Buen Hogar in 2013, taking home a $10,000 prize.
Following God instructions, to refine her skills, Chef Ive decided to return to college, where she graduated with a degree in Culinary Arts at the top of her class. After receiving a job offer as a sous chef, she chose to decline it due to their planned move to Ohio. Upon arriving with no friends, family, or clients, she started from scratch, building the trust of the community with the authenticity of Puerto Rican flavors and the quality of her products. In her first year, she sold two dozen pasteles, and by 2024, she closed the year with more than 75 dozen sold, despite shutting down in December to attend to family matters.
Over the years, Chef Ive has continued to contribute to the Ohio community, collaborating with non-profit organizations such as United Way, Welcome Bags, and Prodigal Son, while also leading the community service ministry in her area. However, in 2020, life took an unexpected turn when she contracted COVID-19 and faced complications that nearly cost her life. After a two-and-a-half-year recovery, she decided to reinvent herself and explore a new passion: writing. Chef Ive has published several books and has others on the way.
Currently, Chef Ive also offers catering services, personalized cooking classes, and food cost consulting for other entrepreneurs, helping them achieve profitability in their businesses.
In addition, she became certified as a life coach, helping people overcome procrastination and imposter syndrome and guiding them toward achieving their goals.
Chef Ive Adorno is undoubtedly a name of trust, quality, and flavor, both in Ohio and anywhere her legacy and passion for Puerto Rican cuisine reach.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s been an incredibly interesting journey—far from smooth, but deeply enriching.
Starting a business with no money and no clients is challenging. But it’s possible if you keep believing in your dreams, even when the path seems dark and uncertain.
I faced struggles with strategy, the language barrier, and competing with people who didn’t fully understand the market, offering products at prices so low I couldn’t understand how they made a profit.
Health became one of the biggest obstacles. After contracting COVID-19 in 2020, and being in the hospital for 21 days, and hear the doctor said “She will not make it tonight, call her family” and God heal me over night miraculous and enduring a long, delicate recovery with six months of restricted activity post-hospitalization, I had to announce a temporary closure of the business. I was so worried that my loyal clients would turn to others and that, when I was ready to return, no one would want my services. But I worried for nothing. Last year, when I reopened, my clients surprised me with overwhelming support. We sold over 100 dozen pasteles and countless empanadillas. Sofrito remains my top-selling product and a favorite among customers. This time was uncertain, anxiety arrives in my life. I faced PTSD after Covid, but today I can said God help me in all the process. His hands support me. He give me strength and he bring health to my life
Another ongoing challenge is the availability of authentic Puerto Rican ingredients here. But we’ve learned how to infuse every dish with the flavors of Puerto Rico, using sofrito and a lot of love.
As you know, we’re big fans of Chef Ive Adorno. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Chef Ive Adorno is both our dream and our passion. We carefully select what we offer and when, ensuring quality and authenticity in everything we create.
We specialize in Puerto Rican cuisine, providing catering services, event food, and appetizers. Additionally, we offer private cooking classes and personal chef services.
One of our core missions is to help people prepare meals efficiently and economically. We teach meal prep techniques, smart food planning, and how to reinvent flavors using familiar ingredients.
On our YouTube channel, we show how to transform traditional Puerto Rican dishes into healthy options, often in under 15 minutes. We regularly post recipes and offer our followers dinner inspiration and tips for delicious meals.
Our most popular product is our sofrito, beloved by many. Pasteles and empanadillas are also highly sought after. In 2018, our pan soba’o became a top seller when we introduced it in Ohio, but without a professional kitchen, it became challenging to produce bread in larger quantities.
In summer 2020, we introduced our traditional Puerto Rican sorbet, which was a hit! I traveled to Cleveland to sell flavors like coconut, passion fruit, guava, and pineapple. We worked tirelessly day and night to meet demand, but we did it.
Our alcapurrias are also a customer favorite, bringing the true taste of Puerto Rico to Ohio.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My forever memory of my childhood was enjoying my Grandpa cooking in the wood stove. Listening the romantic music and feeling the tropical wind from the mountains in Puerto Rico. Dancing with my grandpa while he was cooking. He is my inspiration for life. The smells, the taste, the sounds everything was an experience.
Pricing:
- Pasteles $45 dozen
- Sofrito $10.00 each
- Empanadillas de Churrasco $30.00 dozen
- Alcapurrias $25 dozen
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.iveadorno.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/chefiveadorno
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chefiveadorno
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@chefiveadorno?si=js3zzgMgiAPdMSyg
