Meet nena Elmore
Jamaican Roots and Mariner Life
Born and raised in Jamaica, Nena Elmore’s journey is one of resilience, dedication, and an unwavering love for adventure. Her story begins in the heart of the Caribbean, where she first discovered the rich flavors and vibrant culinary traditions of her Jamaican heritage. But Nena's ambitions didn’t stop at the island’s shores. She pursued a career as a United States Merchant Mariner, where she has spent the last 12 years navigating the seas with Edison Chouest Offshore, contracted by the U.S. Navy. Despite the demanding nature of her work, Nena has never lost sight of her other passions — being a devoted mother of six and, of course, her deep love for cooking.
Nena holds a Bachelor of Science in Legal Assistance from Jones College and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Everetts University. But Nena's thirst for learning didn’t end there. As a renowned Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts graduate, Nena blends her passion for cooking and mariner discipline with her flair for flavors.
Culinary Journey
Nena’s culinary journey is a direct reflection of her global experiences. From the warm shores of Australia to the exotic islands of Guam, she has had the privilege of cooking for military personnel across the globe. Each destination has left its mark on her, enriching her palate and inspiring her to merge the tastes of the world with her Jamaican roots.
Through her travels, Nena discovered that food has the power to connect people and cultures in ways that nothing else can. Her cooking reflects the fusion of diverse influences — bold, vibrant Jamaican spices with global twists from the many countries she’s visited. Whether it was preparing a comforting meal for her fellow mariners or sharing her love of Jamaican jerk chicken with curious food lovers abroad, Nena’s kitchen is where cultures meet and memories are made.
Ready to explore her delicious creations?
As a mother of six, Nena's kitchen has always been the heart of her home. No matter how far she travels or how busy life gets, she’s constantly inspired by the joy that cooking brings to her family. Whether recreating a childhood dish or dreaming up new recipes, she finds peace and purpose in sharing meals with the ones she loves.
Want to bring these heartwarming recipes into your home?