A Chef for the Digital Age

The world of culinary arts has always celebrated chefs who master technique, lead Michelin-starred restaurants, or revolutionize fine dining. But in the twenty-first century, a new kind of culinary leader emerged—the social media chef, someone who can inspire millions not from behind a restaurant’s kitchen doors, but from their own home. At the forefront of this revolution is Chef Shereen Pavlides, the dynamic creator of the brand Cooking with Shereen.

Known for her mantra “homemade made easy”, Shereen has transformed how people approach food. Her recipes are approachable, her teaching is clear, and her presence is warm and relatable. With over fifteen years of experience in food media, recipe development, and live television, combined with professional culinary training, Shereen has become one of the most trusted names in digital cooking content. Her journey is not just about becoming a viral sensation—it is a story of persistence, creativity, and a lifelong love of food.

Early Life: A Childhood Filled with Flavor

Every chef’s story begins with a spark, and for Shereen Pavlides, that spark ignited in her early years. Growing up in the United States, food was central to her family life. It was never simply about eating; it was about gathering, sharing, and creating memories. By the time she was fourteen years old, Shereen was already working in restaurants, gaining early exposure to the demands of professional kitchens.

Unlike many teenagers who saw restaurant jobs as temporary, Shereen found herself fascinated by the rhythm of the kitchen—the clatter of pans, the sharp aromas of herbs and spices, the creativity of plating. These early experiences laid the foundation for her belief that cooking is a universal language, one that can be taught, shared, and enjoyed by everyone.

Formal Culinary Training at ICE

Realizing her calling, Shereen decided to sharpen her skills at the Institute of Culinary Education (ICE) in New York City, one of America’s most prestigious culinary academies. She graduated with honors, a reflection not only of her natural ability but also her dedication to the craft.

At ICE, she trained in classical culinary techniques, modern approaches, and food science. This period of her life was pivotal because it gave her the professional confidence to experiment, refine, and elevate her cooking. It also instilled in her the discipline required to succeed in food media—where precision, clarity, and reliability are just as important as creativity.

Her education extended beyond the classroom. She completed an externship at Good Housekeeping Magazine’s Test Kitchen, where she learned the intricacies of recipe testing. Here, Shereen realized the responsibility of recipe creators: a dish had to work flawlessly for readers across America, whether they were seasoned cooks or complete beginners. This experience shaped her later teaching style, where clarity and accessibility became her trademarks.

Adding to her fine-dining experience, Shereen interned at the Fountain Restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel in Philadelphia, under Chef Martin Hamann. The Fountain, one of the city’s most respected restaurants, exposed her to the precision and discipline of luxury dining. Working in such a demanding environment taught Shereen to value consistency, innovation, and excellence—qualities that would later define her career.

Entering the World of Food Media

After completing her education, Shereen set her sights on food media, a space where she could combine her culinary expertise with her natural charisma. Unlike many chefs who pursued careers in restaurant kitchens, Shereen envisioned herself teaching and inspiring home cooks.

Her career began with recipe development and food styling for national brands, live TV programs, and magazines. Food styling, in particular, allowed her to highlight the beauty of dishes while maintaining authenticity—skills that later became invaluable for social media content creation.

Shereen’s engaging personality and clear communication skills soon earned her a place on QVC, the television shopping giant. As an on-air guest and spokesperson, she showcased cookware, appliances, and culinary gadgets. Across more than 186 live airings, Shereen demonstrated recipes, cooking tips, and tools to millions of viewers across the United States. Her live TV experience honed her ability to teach in real time, making her a relatable and trusted voice in the kitchen.

“Cook This! with Shereen”

Building on her momentum, Shereen launched her own digital cooking show, “Cook This! with Shereen.” Produced in partnership with GateHouse Media, the show gave her a platform to teach home cooks simple, delicious recipes. Alongside the video series, she wrote weekly food columns for newspapers like the Bucks County Courier Times, Burlington County Times, and The Intelligencer.

Her work in both print and video media gave her a unique platform. She wasn’t just another chef demonstrating dishes; she was building a relationship with audiences across multiple mediums. Her approachable teaching style—never condescending, always encouraging—made readers and viewers feel as if they were cooking with a trusted friend.

In recognition of her work, Shereen’s Cook This! with Shereen series won First Place at the 2018 Professional Keystone Press Awards for her Summer Jersey Corn Gazpacho video. She also earned Second Place for Best Use of Video for the same series, cementing her credibility as not just a chef but also a skilled communicator in culinary media.

Collaborations with Culinary Icons

Alongside her media appearances, Shereen’s career gave her opportunities to work with some of the biggest names in the industry. She collaborated with Buddy Valastro, famously known as the Cake Boss, creating intricate confections that showcased her versatility beyond savory cooking.

Her expertise in food styling also put her in high demand for national brands and television shows. Whether it was ensuring a dish looked camera-perfect under studio lights or developing recipes that reflected a brand’s identity, Shereen’s behind-the-scenes work was as impactful as her on-screen presence.

The Birth of Cooking with Shereen

In the age of TikTok and Instagram, chefs suddenly had the ability to reach millions directly from their own kitchens. Shereen saw this not as a challenge but as an opportunity. She launched her personal brand, Cooking with Shereen, a platform dedicated to helping people cook confidently at home.

Her philosophy was clear: teach people to cook from scratch in a way that feels approachable. Unlike many influencers who rely on shortcuts or gimmicks, Shereen’s credibility as a professionally trained chef allowed her to teach real techniques in simple ways.

Her videos quickly gained traction. On TikTok, her banana bread recipe went viral, amassing nearly 28.8 million views. Millions of people not only watched but also cooked along, sharing their results and celebrating the fact that they could make something delicious, guided by Shereen’s instructions.

As her community grew across TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook, Shereen became one of the most trusted names in digital cooking. She wasn’t just creating content; she was creating a movement of confident home cooks worldwide.

Cookbook Author and Storyteller

Shereen extended her influence into publishing, writing cookbooks that echoed her teaching style. Her books are filled with recipes that are both approachable and flavorful, paired with guidance that empowers readers to experiment without fear.

Every recipe is carefully tested and written with the home cook in mind, reflecting the lessons she learned at Good Housekeeping. Whether it’s comfort classics like lasagna, family-friendly meals, or creative spins on traditional dishes, her cookbooks embody the “homemade made easy” spirit that defines her brand.

Recognition and Public Speaking

As her influence grew, Shereen began to be recognized not only as a social media star but also as a respected culinary personality and speaker. She is represented by All American Speakers Bureau, with a live event fee range of $10,000–20,000.

She has been invited to speak at events, share her expertise on panels, and collaborate with brands that align with her philosophy of authentic, homemade food. Her approachable personality makes her an engaging public speaker, inspiring both aspiring chefs and everyday cooks.

Philanthropy and Community Engagement

Beyond the kitchen, Shereen is dedicated to giving back. She has supported organizations like Autism Speaks, Ronald McDonald House, City Harvest, the James Beard Foundation, and Share Our Strength. Her contributions are not only financial but also personal, donating her time and voice to causes that matter.

Her philanthropic work reflects her belief that food is more than sustenance—it is community, care, and compassion.

Personal Life: Motherhood and Balance

Shereen is not just a chef, media personality, and entrepreneur; she is also a mother of two. Balancing the demands of family life with the whirlwind of culinary media has been one of her greatest challenges, but also her greatest motivation. Motherhood has influenced her cooking philosophy, reminding her that meals are most meaningful when they bring families together.

Her personal journey makes her relatable to millions of followers who juggle work, family, and a desire to cook wholesome meals at home.

Legacy and Vision

Today, Shereen Pavlides stands as a role model for a new generation of chefs and influencers. She has shown that professional training and media savvy can coexist with authenticity and approachability.

Her brand, Cooking with Shereen, continues to grow, not just as a collection of recipes but as a global community of home cooks. She envisions expanding her influence further—through books, collaborations, and media—always staying true to her mission of helping people cook with confidence.

The Journey of Shereen Pavlides

Shereen Pavlides, the vibrant force behind Cooking with Shereen, has redefined what it means to be a modern chef. Her journey began in her teenage years, working in restaurants at just fourteen. Those early experiences sparked a lifelong love for the kitchen, teaching her that food was more than a meal—it was connection, storytelling, and joy.

Determined to pursue her passion, Shereen graduated with honors from the Institute of Culinary Education (ICE) in New York City. She gained hands-on experience through an externship at Good Housekeeping Magazine’s Test Kitchen and honed her skills at the prestigious Fountain Restaurant in the Four Seasons Hotel, Philadelphia, under Chef Martin Hamann. These opportunities gave her the balance of precision, creativity, and professionalism that became her foundation.

Instead of following the traditional restaurant path, Shereen stepped into the world of food media. She became a recipe developer, food stylist, and on-air personality, appearing in more than 186 live segments on QVC and later launching her own digital series, “Cook This! with Shereen.” Her approachable teaching style won awards, including the Professional Keystone Press Award for Best Video.

Her biggest breakthrough came with the rise of social media. With her brand Cooking with Shereen, she championed a philosophy of “homemade made easy,” inspiring millions on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. Her viral banana bread video, viewed over 28.8 million times, made her a global name, trusted for her ability to make professional techniques accessible to everyday cooks.

Today, Shereen is not only a chef and cookbook author but also a mentor, speaker, and philanthropist, giving back to causes like Autism Speaks and City Harvest. Her journey proves that with passion, authenticity, and creativity, a chef can turn the home kitchen into a stage that inspires the world.