Meet Melissa Gisselle

We recently connected with Melissa Gisselle and have shared our conversation below.

Melissa, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

Great question. I’m not another run in the mill. I’ve endured and survived many difficult experiences in my life. From a young age. I came into this world fighting for my life and spent most of my life defying the odds. My resilience comes from shear faith in myself and our creator, Christ. He has guided me knowingly and unknowingly throughout my existence. Even in my darkest hours, I always knew that my hands were meant to do something extraordinary. I believe in myself and my abilities to make a global impact. There is not a soul in this world who could cause me any sort of trepidation now. The moment I began to “pray and not worry” as Padre Pio says, my life completely changed for the better.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I am Melissa Gisselle, the head chef and heart behind Stella Maris Cuisine. Cooking is my passion, my purpose, and my calling. I bring bold flavors, unique spices, and exotic ingredients into every dish I create, combining them with classic favorites to craft unforgettable meals.
Through my cooking, I aim to nurture, to heal, and to bring joy to others. I take pride in being fearless in the kitchen, creating dishes that push boundaries while staying true to the essence of every flavor. Every meal I make is a reflection of me, my travels, and my mission to serve others with love.
Stella Maris is not just a name — it’s my philosophy. I am here to share my love for food with humanity🌊✨
After many years in the sales field and being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, I decided I would not be limited. I found a state organization that graciously paid for my education, and I turned my dream into a reality. Finally, I was able to share my love with others through food.
I worked my way up the ladder quickly, not without diligence, hard work, and sheer determination. I put my blood, sweat, and tears into getting where I am today.
I grew up in a diverse family where music was always flowing, and the kitchen was the heart of our home. The matriarchs of our family were always cooking, and I remember the excitement when the olives would sit by the stove. All the kids would wait for my tia to give us one. I can still hear the clinking of dominoes, the smell of cigars, and, most importantly, the laughter and joy that flowed through our home like the tides of the sea.

At Stella Maris Cuisine, we are fueled by faith, love, and a deep-rooted calling to nurture others through the sacred gift of food. Stella Maris was born from a divine mission: to stamp out hunger and serve humanity with courage, creativity, and compassion. We believe that no person should ever be left hungry, and we work tirelessly to ensure that every meal is a gesture of dignity, connection, and care.
Our cuisine is bold, soulful, and entirely unique—a fusion of global flavors and timeless traditions, handcrafted from scratch with reverence for the powerful women, cultural roots, and personal experiences that shaped my journey. This is food that dares to be different, inspired by my passion to uplift and my fearless spirit in the kitchen. Every bite tells a story. Every plate carries purpose. Hence our motto:
“A sea of flavors.”
Stella Maris holds deep respect for our seniors, youth in need, first responders, and veterans. I personally deliver meals to those most in need—working around the clock to provide warm, sustaining nourishment to the undeserved. Through the support of those who believe in my mission, and my unwavering faith in Jesus, I am able to extend this love where it’s needed most.
My menu is limitless and inclusive, thoughtfully crafted to honor all dietary, religious, and personal preferences. Whether through private chef experiences, catering services, special events, or farmers market pop-ups, Stella Maris Cuisine welcomes everyone to the table.

My patrons are given the opportunity to “pay it forward” with their contributions, I am able to create nurturing meals for the underserved. This is where I feel most fulfilled. Getting out there in the community. Meeting people where they are. Delivering meals on the streets, encampments, anywhere that is needed. I hope to offer our veterans and seniors meals that are affordable. Additionally, I offer at home private chef services. I look to create weekly meals, that they can have readily available and be able to teach our hero’s how to prepare dishes for themselves.

“To serve the hungry is to serve God Himself—because every soul fed is a prayer answered.”
— Stella Maris

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Compassionate nature
Innate desire to give
Adaptability

To persevere. To have faith in YOU! In your God given abilities. To heed your own intuition. Do not ask others for their opinions. You know your script. You are the director, writer, and star of your show. Once you have acquired all your tools and have sharpened your skill set, share it freely with the world. Teach others what you have learned. Pass the torch so that your gifts can spread through time.

Remember this always, “The gift appreciates as it is used” Father Tom

The secret to success is to do the common things uncommonly well”- JD Rockefeller

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

Mary, Jesus and all his Saints!! Through John 15:5 and John 21:15. Saint Pio taught me to never worry and only pray. Saint Francis of Assisi taught be to be a light to others and a beacon of hope. Saint Lorenzo refines my skills in the kitchen. Saint Michael has taught be to a fearless warrior. Saint Therese the little flower has taught be to be of service to the underserved. Saint Dymphna has taught me to care for my mental health above all else. Saint Lazarus has helped me learn to slow down and take care of my health. Mary has shown me how to mother the motherless. To embody love and compassion. Jesus has taught me to be PATIENT. To lean on him wholeheartedly. And above all to have FAITH. To reflect his image unto others.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.StellaMarisCuisine.com