Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Libertino
Hi Monica, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My name is Monica Libertino, but my maiden name is Monica Ruiz and I was born and raised in the Bronx, New York, and my parents are of Puerto Rican descent, so that makes me what we say in NY; NuYorican. I lived in New York for 28 years before I moved to Bergen County, New Jersey which is where I raised my sons and spent most of my first career in Information Technology as a Software Engineer. Cooking and the Culinary Arts has always been in my blood.
Having been raised in New York City, one of the melting pots of this country, I was fortunate to experience different cultures, and food from around the world. Some of the best food you can eat can be found in one of the five boroughs of New York City. My mother fostered my curiosity as she would take me and my brother out to eat a lot to try various cuisines, and would encourage us to try something once.
I would have to say that growing up in New York and experiencing the joy of cooking and fellowship centered around Food, contributed to carrying the torch my mom held for many years as the Chef of the family (after my grandmother), she even had her own catering business on top of other businesses she owned or managed. In the future, I did not see myself pursuing a culinary degree, but it only made sense as I was always cooking fresh homemade meals for my kids, hosting events at home, and taking food to work to where I had many “taste testers”. It was at work where many people noticed my talent and love for cooking the most that encouraged me to open up a Café when I retired.
It eventually became my plan to pursue my second career in the culinary arena, but I thought a Food Truck business may have been the right move for me, that is until I moved to Florida three years ago and experienced the intense heat and humidity. In addition, there were other considerations and overhead expenses I had to weigh out with a Food Truck business. A little after a year since moving to Florida in 2023, I decided to get a mentor in the Personal Chef business after registering for a free webinar with Chefpreneur, it just made perfect sense to me. I thoroughly enjoyed cooking for small intimate events, and had a lot of experience of cooking for small to medium size home events (e.g., 50 people). The whole concept of being my own boss, making my own schedule and curating events for people where they could “indulge, unplug, and vibe with those that matter most” which is my tagline became ever more appealing and something I saw myself doing for a living. As a result, I invested in rebranding myself as a Personal Chef utilizing Chefpreneur as a mentor and Sunset Vibe Chefs was born and within a year’s time, I launched my website in March 2024.
There was definitely a time of trying to talk myself out of it and some health issues that tried to hinder my dreams in 2023, but I thank God that I trusted in HIS divine plan for my life that I have persevered and have been healed to continue with the master plan utilizing the gifts he has given me along with the passion I have for hospitality, creating delicious meals, and bringing people together centered around food. Food is definitely a key component to breaking barriers, cultivating new relationships and strengthening existing ones. There is a lot to be said about a family who eats together. Sometimes we develop extended family who started as friends or co-workers, church family to name a few that we adopted along the journey of our lives. I’ve noticed what a key component Food is to building relationships when I worked in Corporate America as well. For instance, it was the first thing many team members would be talking about as they started their day such as where they were going for lunch on that day. Breaking bread together has a special bonding effect on people. “Dining with one’s friends and beloved family is certainly one of life’s primal and most innocent delights, one the is both-soul-satisfying and eternal.” (Quote from Julia Child)
Ever since I was a child, cooking and baking were creative outlets for me that I enjoyed and shared with those I love, and still are to this day. Sunset Vibe Chefs is just an extension of that passion and love today.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Has it been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Over the past four years, my life has been marked by significant transitions. The first major change came at the end of 2020, when I decided to take an early retirement package after 22 years at my job and 26 years in the IT field. My husband and I were planning a move to Florida, but the timing was challenging especially with it being the first year of COVID-19, and to make matters worse, my house didn’t sell as expected. Despite these hurdles, we finally made the move to Florida in mid-2021. Settling into a new state where I knew only a handful of relatives was an adjustment, especially since I was used to the conveniences, culture, and weather of the North. The Tampa Bay climate in particular took some time to get used to.
The second major challenge came in 2023, when I faced a sudden health scare that lingered into early 2024. It was a time when I almost had to walk away from the Personal Chef business I was building. However, my faith in God kept me grounded and gave me the strength to continue. I was also fortunate to find a Functional Medicine nutritional therapist who played a crucial role in my recovery. Through his guidance, I learned to use food as medicine, along with the right supplements to support my body’s needs in managing symptoms of an underlying autoimmune condition, instead of relying on traditional medications. I truly believe that without both my faith and this holistic approach to my health, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
Nutrition is crucial to our overall health–after all, “We are what we eat.” I truly believe that the right foods can help rebuild and restore our health, especially when we learn to identify the foods we may need to avoid due to sensitivities, and those we should incorporate more of to enhance our well-being. I’ve always prioritized healthy eating and regular exercise, but sometimes, unexpected health issues can arise without warning. In those moments, I remind myself that everything happens for a reason, and that there’s often something to be gained from struggles that ultimately make us stronger.
Health is wealth, and my journey has equipped me to help others through specific dietary protocols. My experience managing my own health has taught me that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to nutrition. I’ve researched countless diets and crafted menus tailored to various needs, but the most valuable lesson I’ve learned is the importance of finding what works best for you individually.
I firmly believe that food is medicine, and working with a Functional Medicine Nutritional Therapist in 2024 was a game changer for me. It revealed just how the traditional healthcare system can often lead you on a rollercoaster ride without offering meaningful solutions. When I thought my health might take a turn for the worse, I turned to God for guidance and surrendered my healing to Him. That’s when I found a Functional Medicine Therapist who truly understood my issues and helped me in a way that doctors, who were simply prescribing medication and no hope, could not.
Fast forward to January 2025, and I’m in a much better place. I’ve overcome my fears surrounding my health issues, developed a sustainable maintenance protocol, and regained my energy. Since March 2024, I’ve been regularly working out at the gym, and my energy levels have soared. This newfound vitality has fueled the launch of my business. My motivation and drive, especially to rely on God in everything, particularly my business which I believe is His business have been some of the greatest accomplishments of the past year.
Building my business has also come with its own challenges. Marketing and networking take time and effort, particularly when it comes to establishing your brand and reaching your target audience. Building a social media presence, optimizing for SEO, creating online profiles, and getting out there to network in person are all part of the equation. It’s essential to build relationships with other small business owners because, as the saying goes, people tend to do business with those they know, like, and trust. I strive to ensure that those who recommend me can do so with confidence, knowing I’m committed to providing top-notch service to my clients.
Another area I’ve been focusing on is educating people about the unique value of hiring a Personal Chef versus a caterer. Many people mistakenly lump Personal Chefs in with catering services, but our offerings are distinct. Personal Chefs provide an “experience-oriented” service, often in more intimate settings like a client’s home, an AirBnb, a yacht charter, or a country club. We focus on crafting tailored dining experiences rather than catering large events.
I’m encouraged to see that the hard work I’ve put into building my brand is starting to get noticed. For example, Voyage Tampa recently discovered me, which is a great affirmation that my efforts are paying off!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As a Personal Chef, I offer a variety of services designed to make my clients’ dining experiences truly special. These include meal prep, three-course family-style meals, four-course fine dining plated experiences, and intimate beachside dinners, where clients can relax, unplug, and vibe with those who matter most. From the planning and shopping to the cooking, serving, and cleanup, I take care of every detail, allowing my clients to feel like the guest at their own event.
How often have you found yourself so exhausted from planning and hosting an event that you miss out on the enjoyment of it? My services are perfect for those who want to eat healthy but don’t have the time or energy to think about it. I step in to handle all the meal planning, crafting weekly menus tailored to my clients’ preferences, cuisines, and dietary needs.
I also work with clients celebrating special occasions—birthdays, anniversaries, proposals, or just enjoying time with friends, colleagues, or vacationers. Whether it’s a three-course family-style meal or an elevated four-course plated fine dining experience, I help create memorable moments around the table.
I specialize in Puerto Rican, Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Asian cuisines, bringing a fusion of flavors that can be customized to suit any taste.
What sets me apart from other Personal Chefs is the holistic experience I offer. While every chef brings their own unique personality and passion to the table, I believe it’s the love I infuse into every dish, combined with the right atmosphere, that truly makes a difference. It’s not just about the food—it’s about creating an unforgettable experience.
One of the things I’m most proud of is creating experiences that bring people together around the table, where they can savor delicious food, enjoy meaningful conversation, and have fun in a relaxed yet elegant setting.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
I believe the Covid-19 pandemic played a significant role in increasing demand for Personal Chef services. With restaurants either closed or limited to takeout and outdoor dining, many people turned to alternative dining experiences. To adapt, restaurants set up tents and outdoor tables, but for those seeking a more personalized and intimate experience, Personal Chefs became the perfect solution.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sunsetvibechefs.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunsetvibechefs
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094783396962
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monica-libertino-99b8b18/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MonicaLibertino-qg5jd
