Sharing Culture by the Spoonful: Pyet Despain Featured in VoyageLA

I’m honored to be featured in VoyageLA Magazine’s Daily Inspiration series, a space that highlights creative voices and entrepreneurial spirits across Los Angeles. In the interview, I talk about my work as a Private Chef and my deep passion for Indigenous Fusion Cuisine.

My culinary roots come from both sides of my heritage: Native American and Mexican. These influences shaped who I am and how I cook. When I step into the kitchen, I’m not just making food, I’m telling a story through every spice, every dish, every plate.

One of the things I’m most proud of right now is the launch of my merchandise line, especially my traditional Native American Wojapi Sauce. This berry sauce has been a part of my culture for generations, and now I get to bottle it and share it with people who might not have the opportunity to experience Indigenous Fusion Cuisine firsthand.

Alongside the Wojapi, I’ve also created a line of shirts and hats that reflect the same pride and joy I feel when I cook. They’re fun, they’re rooted in culture, and they’re a way for people to connect to the journey I’m on.

To me, cooking is about more than food, it’s about community, identity, and celebration. Being featured in this article was a beautiful reminder of why I do what I do: to honor where I come from and to uplift Indigenous traditions with every bite.

You can read the full feature here: VoyageLA – Meet Pyet Despain

Thank you VoyageLA for the opportunity to share my story.

— Pyet