I’m Jayashree – Welcome to StartupCooking – My little corner of the Internet!
I’m so happy you’re here. Thank you for taking the time to visit and for being a part of my journey. This space is very close to my heart, because it brings together so many things I love – food, family, culture, memories, creativity, and the joy of sharing.
I was born and raised in Kanchipuram, my hometown in Tamil Nadu. Kanchipuram is a city rich in history and tradition, known for its ancient temples, beautiful silk sarees, and deep cultural roots. Growing up there, I was surrounded by the wonderful flavors and aromas of traditional South Indian cooking. Those flavors became a part of my childhood and continue to inspire the way I cook today.
Some of my happiest childhood memories are connected to food – the comforting aroma of a home cooked meal, gathering around the table with family, and watching simple ingredients come together to create something delicious.
I didn’t realize it then, but those everyday moments were shaping my love for cooking.
From Science to the Kitchen
I went on to study Biochemistry and Biotechnology, which gave me a deep appreciation for the science behind the world around us. I became fascinated by how things work, how small changes can make a difference, and how experimentation can lead to something new.
That curiosity eventually found its way into my kitchen.
When I cook, I love experimenting with ingredients, understanding how they work together, and finding simple ways to make food delicious. In many ways, my kitchen has become my own little laboratory – where I mix, measure, observe, experiment, and create.
A New Chapter in the United States
After marriage, I moved to the United States and began a completely new chapter of my life.
My first home in the U.S. was Rhode Island, where I spent seven wonderful years building my family and creating a new life far away from the place I grew up.
During those years, I became a mother, and cooking took on a whole new meaning for me.
It was no longer just about preparing a meal. Cooking became a way to nurture my family, create memories, and share a piece of my culture with my son.
Being away from home also made me appreciate my roots in a different way. The foods I grew up eating became more than recipes – they became memories of home.
Cooking became my way of staying connected to Kanchipuram, to my family and to the traditions I grew up with.
Every dish carries a little piece of that journey.
From Rhode Island to Virginia
Life eventually brought us to Virginia, where I have now lived for the past six years.
This chapter of my life has been balancing family, career, and the things I am passionate about.
Today, I am a science and biology teacher for middle school students, and I truly enjoy inspiring young minds every day.
At first, teaching and cooking might seem like two completely different worlds. But for me, they are surprisingly connected.
Both require curiosity.
Both require patience.
Both involve creativity, experimentation, and learning from what happens along the way.
And both give me the opportunity to create something meaningful and share it with others.
That is why I like to think of cooking as my everyday science experiment.
Why StartupCooking?
StartupCooking was born from my love of cooking and my desire to share it with others.
This blog is a reflection of my journey – from the flavors and traditions of Kanchipuram to my life as a mother, teacher, and home cook in the United States.
Here, You’ll find recipes inspired by my roots, shaped by my experiences, and created for real everyday life.
I believe cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious.
Some of the most comforting meals are made with simple ingredients, familiar flavors, and a little love.
I want StartupCooking to be a place where you find recipes that are approachable, practical, and full of flavor – whether you are looking for a traditional South Indian dish, an easy weeknight meal, or simply something new to try in your kitchen.
But I also hope this space becomes more than just a collection of recipes.
I want to share the stories behind the food – the memories, the traditions, the family moments, and the little experiences that make each recipe special.
Because food has a way of connecting us.
It connects us to where we come from, to the people we love, and sometimes even to memories we thought we had forgotten.
Thank You for Being Here
Thank you for visiting StartupCooking and for taking the time to get to know a little bit about me.
Your support means so much to me, and I’m excited to share this journey with you.
If you try one of my recipes, I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment, share your thoughts, or tell me how the recipe turned out in your kitchen. Your feedback and stories make this space even more special.
Welcome to StartupCooking – where food, memories, culture, and a little everyday science come together.
I’m so glad you’re here.
Happy Cooking!
– Jayashree
