Born in Pensacola Florida, Chef Carmen Atlanta Smith began cooking for her family along side her mother and grandmother at a young age. She was adopted along with her five siblings, and enjoyed helping prepare meals as young as 10 years old. After finishing high school and college, she moved to the Atlanta Georgia area. Carmen worked in numerous Atlanta based and chain restaurants, learning the business, sharpening her skills, and honing her craft. Chef Carmen still resides near Atlanta, and runs a successful corporate catering and concessions business, as well as Igotchu Seasonings.