Maryam Ishtiaq, a Dallas-based Pakistani chef, is capturing the culinary world’s attention with her creative approach to food and storytelling.
From her self-taught beginnings to her entrepreneurial ventures, here are five key insights into her inspiring journey.
1. A Self-Taught Culinary Artist with a Passion for Healing Through Food
Maryam’s culinary journey began in her home kitchen, where she honed her skills by cooking for family dinners and intimate events. Without formal training, she transformed her passion into a profession, becoming a sought-after private chef.
For Maryam, cooking is therapeutic—a way to navigate life’s challenges and connect with others. She believes in the healing power of food, stating,
“Cooking to me is very therapeutic. It’s gotten me through some of the toughest seasons of my life. I cook with my heart on my apron!”
2. Founder of ‘It’s Actually Co.’
In her quest to provide nourishing and accessible food options, Maryam founded It’s Actually Co., a company specializing in halal, hand-crafted bone broths. Her products ensures a product rich in nutrients and free from additives.
The inspiration behind the company was personal. During a time of healing, Maryam sought genuine nourishment and found existing options lacking. This led her to create her own line of bone broths, emphasizing quality and health.
3. A Digital Media Maven with Over 8 Years of Experience
Beyond her culinary endeavors, Maryam is a force in the digital media landscape. With more than eight years of experience, she has mastered content strategy, branding, and public relations. Her expertise has allowed her to build a robust online presence, where she shares her culinary creations and engages with a diverse audience.
4. Graduate from Georgia Gwinnett College And Featured In Forbes!
Maryam’s diverse skill set is underpinned by her academic achievements. She is an alumna of Georgia Gwinnett College, where she developed a strong foundation in marketing and communication. This education has been instrumental in her ability to navigate the intersections of food, business, and media, enabling her to effectively share her culinary narratives and expand her brand’s reach.
In 2024, Maryam was featured in Forbes, in the article ‘Want To Improve Your Longevity? Get A Private Chef For 2025.’ The article highlighted a few culinary experts to explore in 2025 and she was one of them!
5. Competing on ‘Next Level Chef’ with Gordon Ramsay
Maryam’s culinary talents have earned her a spot on Season 4 of Next Level Chef, the competitive cooking show helmed by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay. Reflecting on the experience, she expressed her gratitude and excitement, saying:
“I am honestly really taken [a]back by the entire experience. Chef Ramsay is absolutely the sweetest and wants each and every chef of his to succeed!”
This opportunity not only showcases her skills but also serves as a platform to represent Pakistani cuisine on an international stage. A recent clip of NLC is going viral with Chef Ramsay appreciating the Pakistani cuisine and we’re so here for it. Catch it here in case you miissed it!
Maryam Ishtiaq embodies the fusion of tradition and innovation. As a self-taught chef, entrepreneur, and digital media expert, she is redefining the culinary landscape. Her journey reflects a commitment to healing through food, cultural representation, and the power of storytelling. As she competes on Next Level Chef, the world watches with anticipation, eager to see the continued impact of her culinary artistry.
Sources: Tribune, Images, Take A Chef, Forbes
