Meet the Team
We are a diverse group working toward the same goal.
The driving force behind SHINE, Robert began his culinary education under Chef Michael J. Hooker in Raleigh, NC. After spending some time working up and down the Carolina coasts, Robert returned to Hendersonville to work for Culinary Instructor and Certified Executive Chef Thomas L Young, a culinary icon. While working at his restaurant, Robert met his wife, Layla, which was the true beginning of SHINE! “
Chef Carlos’ earliest childhood memories are of his mother and grandmother making homemade tortillas and traditional Spanish dishes. The family gathering to enjoy meals together, impressed upon him food’s importance, and led him to the kitchen professionally. A Los Angeles, California native, Carlos worked locally as a Sous Chef at Tyron Estates. While there, he was selected to attend the College of Culinary Arts, Johnson and Wales University and “..fell in love with the culinary world!”. After culinary school, he worked at Season’s at Highland Lake, Flat Rock, North Carolina and now, SHINE. when he's not cooking, Carlos enjoys adventures with his son, Logan.
Jorge began his culinary arts at Vizcaya de las Américas University, Mexico. He practiced his art in Italian, seafood, and international restaurants within his hometown. Jorge was led to the US via the International Internship with Grove Park Inn. This chef has always been in search of a way to combine his love for experiencing new culinary cultures and traveling the world. "Cooking has always been something I do out of my own passion to discover magical things in food. That is why I focus on this path. To transmit a new experience in each bite"
Grey grew up in a culinary family. From a young age, he enjoyed trying new things and identifying hidden flavors. His first job was washing dishes and has since advanced through each station in the kitchen to obtain his current position at Shine. Grey looks forward to furthering his culinary career by continuing to listen and learn from his skilled senior teammates.
Liv grew up near Pittsburgh, PA, and has lived in Hendersonville since 2004. Her culinary journey is fairly non-traditional considering she graduated from Slippery Rock University with a B.S. in Parks and Recreation. As a mother of young children in 2010, she was inspired while hiking with a friend when she noticed their picnic lunch consisted of sandwiches on homemade bread. This friend went on to teach Liv to make bread for her own family, and before long Liv had a certified home kitchen, and a booth at the King Street Tailgate Market. Liv’s baked goods were also featured at City Market, as well as Appalachian Coffee Company. She went on to work as a baker at the Hendersonville Community Co-Op, and then dedicated five years to the Bakeshop at Sierra Nevada. Liv joined the Shine Team in 2021 and is so excited to grow and share her passion for great food with this culinary family and community!