Kika grew up in Oakland in a low-income neighborhood. Without a father figure in her life, her and her mother were on their own, struggling, resorting to food stamps and government aide. As her mother had trouble keeping a stable job, Kika found herself dependant on an abusive relationship. She had always been interested in cooking, as it was a way to stretch her food stamps, and decided to pursue her interest in food by applying for Sprouts Chef -Training Program. After Sprouts, Kika was hired on at Farley's Cafe right after graduation, staying for over a year. She made the step up to a full-service restaurant when she joined the the team at AlaMar, a Sprouts partner restaurant. Kika continues to work as a chef at Grace Street Catering, and plans on continuing to develop herself as a professional chef.