Jamika Pessoa

Jamika Pessoa is a classically trained chef and television personality. Since launching her television career as a contestant on The Food Network’s "Next Food Network Star" in 2009, she has appeared on a number of nationally-acclaimed television shows including "Good Morning America," "HLN Weekend Express," "Unique Sweets," "The Today Show," "Guy’s Grocery Games," "The Chew," "Sister Circle," "Best Thing I Ever Ate," and Dr. Oz’s "The Dish on Oz." She is also the co-host of Food Network’s "Let’s Eat."

Pessoa started her professional career as a corporate marketing executive, and after a short time in the field, she realized that corporate life was not for her. The next steps in her journey were a true walk in faith, and she chose to follow her heart and her true passion -- food.

Pessoa graduated from the International Culinary School at the Art Institute of Atlanta. She studied abroad in Italy and Austria, worked for the world-renowned Ritz Carlton Hotel; and in 2006 paired her business acumen with her love of cooking and entertaining and launched her catering business, Life of the Party Catering, becoming the celebrity chef for a high-profile roster of clients including rappers, athletes, and entertainers nationwide. As a Southern Belle with Caribbean roots, Pessoa's cooking style is described as “Caribbean Heat meets Southern Sweet,” which is also akin to her spicy and sweet personality.

Pessoa lives in Los Angeles, California, and Atlanta, Georgia, with her husband and daughter.