Each month, the Alumna Spotlight highlights the journeys of Alex Alumnae, showcasing their achievements and the impact their experiences at Alex have had on their careers and lives. This month, we are delighted to feature Tara Walker, Alex Class of 1997, cookbook author, and chef tutor.

What were your career aspirations while still at school?

I had planned on becoming a high flying business woman in stockbroking or a similar field!

What led you to pursue your current career?

I studied business and economics at Trinity College, Dublin, but I much preferred my part-time jobs in restaurants. Having come from a family business of hotels, restaurants and pubs, the draw was strong and, after graduating, I joined the family business. Here, I found that I just wanted to cook all the time. I grew tired of managing staff, customers and suppliers and found myself spending all my free time reading cookbooks (I still do) and trying out new recipes. 

I decided to leave the family business in 2008 to study at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and started working with lots of very well-known chefs at events. I found it thrilling and endlessly interesting and started doing cooking classes and demonstrations myself in 2009. After that I started my business.

How did your time at Alex influence your path?

The immortal words of the principal of the day were:  “What’s worth doing, is worth doing well” have etched themselves indelibly on my psyche and have become a way of life for me. There are no shortcuts! In personal terms, having been a boarder, I think independence was sown in me from an early age and this gave me a certain level of confidence to go out there and do the things I was passionate about.  

Also, during my time as a boarder in Alex, I made the most special lifelong friendships, and to this day, I still see many of the Alex girls regularly. They are like family to me, and I cherish them. 

What has been the highlight of your career to date?

I am lucky to say there have been a few high points: having my own cookbook is definitely one; it is called Good Food, No Stress and was published in 2017. Another one is cooking regularly on live TV, which is always exciting. However,  the ongoing learning, travelling, meeting other chefs, and tasting delicious food bring me the most joy.

What advice would you give your schoolgirl self?

Have confidence in your own abilities and do things for yourself, not because others expect it from you. Be happy!