Get To Know Me
I’m Yana,
a creative enthusiast with a passion for transforming ideas into captivating projects. My journey began in the kitchen as a baker and caterer, where I discovered my love for culinary arts. In 2016 I started a baking and catering company in Washington, DC called Petite Eats. Today, I am a high school culinary arts instructor in Dallas, Texas and the creator of a vibrant and engaging workbook that teaches students the basics of food safety. Additionally, I recently published my first cookbook, Petite Eats Big Flavors, which features a collection of my most requested and popular recipes, making it easy for anyone to create bold, delicious dishes.
My interests extend beyond the kitchen to visual design and user experiences. I love mixing things up by combining my culinary skills with my eye for design, creating projects that inspire and delight. Whether I’m crafting delicious bite-sized treats or developing visually stunning designs, my goal is to bring joy and creativity to everything I do.
Explore my work and let’s turn ideas into reality together!
Petite Eats / Founder & Creative Director
AUGUST 2016 - PRESENT, DALLAS, TX
As the Founder and Creative Director of Petite Eats, I’ve led branding, product design, and digital strategy, turning complex concepts into user-friendly, engaging experiences. My diverse background in UX design, entrepreneurship, and hospitality allows me to approach product design from a holistic, user-centered perspective, ensuring that every product I create is functional, intuitive, and beautifully designed.
Dallas ISD / Career and Technical Education Instructor
OCTOBER 2023 - PRESENT, DALLAS, TX
As a Career and Technical Education Instructor at Dallas Independent School District, I guide students in mastering practical skills, emphasizing safety, precision, and creativity. Through hands-on projects and collaborative learning experiences, I foster an environment where students build confidence and problem-solving abilities. By staying current with industry trends, I incorporate relevant technologies and certifications, ensuring the curriculum aligns with modern practices and prepares students for real-world applications. My role extends beyond technical instruction—it's about nurturing curiosity, cultivating adaptability, and empowering students to pursue meaningful, skill-driven careers.
Freelance / User Experience Designer
NOVEMBER 2022 - PRESENT, REMOTE
I utilize both qualitative and quantitative data to implement design decisions and create user friendly mobile applications. By conducting user research and usability tests, I use data to guide user interface design and create interactive prototypes.
Turn2Partners / Senior Support Analyst
APRIL 2022 - OCTOBER 2023, REMOTE
By working effectively and efficiently as a part of a multi-disciplinary support team, I provided business technology support services. I identified, researched, and resolved technical issues utilizing the company's proprietary systems by maintaining expert knowledge about company services ultimately exceeding customer expectations.