Originally from Mexico City and with 10 years of experience in notable hotels and bakeries, chef Karina Rivera studied Culinary Arts and soon realized that her heart belonged to pastry. She landed her first formal job as a pastry chef on Celebrity Cruises. Within one year, an amazing opportunity arose; she had the opportunity to intern at the St Regis Hotel in Bar Harbor, Miami, FL. There, her knowledge and passion for pastry grew to a new level. She soon became the Head Pastry Chef for Bachour Bakery and Bistro and then the Head Pastry Chef for Bachour Miami. In 2019 she was a finalist in the Spring Baking Championship, a contest broadcast on the Food Network channel.

Other amazing experiences that have helped her become a better professional include being a finalist at Food Network’s Spring Baking Championship, Assisting Chef Massimo Bottura at different events, holding the position of Head Pastry Chef at Novikov Miami and founding Women Chefs 305.

Macarons have always been her specialty and fascination! In 2020 she founded her own company where she focuses on the sale of seasonal macaroons, consulting for bakeries and restaurants, as well as in-person and online classes. She has taught face-to-face classes in Mexico, Costa Rica and Venezuela. Her online classes have allowed her to share her knowledge with more than 300 students from all over the world. In January 2022 she won Iron Chef Alex Guarnaschelli on her new show Alex Vs. America, aired on the Food Network.

With more than 100 K followers on Instagram, Karina inspires professionals around the world and shares delicious recipes and baking tips.