our journey

food. culture. inclusivity.

lay alston's passion for the art of food began at a young age while growing up in a queensbridge apartment, captivating her senses and sparking her infatuation with culinary exploration from watching food netwrok. from a career project in 3rd grade that focused on becoming a chef to her first cooking class at the age of 12, lay's journey into the culinary world had already begun. recognizing her talent and drive, she pursued admission to food and finance high school in hell's kitchen, where she honed her skills and competed passionately, earning scholarships to attend the culinary institute of ny at monroe college. 

these pivotal moments became a catalyst for chef lay, fueling her desire to delve deeper into the world of food. immersing herself in renowned nyc restaurants, she gained invaluable experience that nurtured her passion for teaching and entrepreneurship. these days you can find lay sharing her wealth of kitchen experiences, aiming to reshape the perception of restaurant kitchens and emphasizing what hospitality means to her. chef lay remains dedicated to expressing her cultural heritage through culinary creations, viewing the culinary arts as a vessel for her resilience. soul&wheel, a manifestation of her journey, stands as a testament to her unwavering determination and commitment to her craft.