Nana's Photo Gallery & About Us

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I was born in East Los Angeles to Rita Montoya from Roswell, New Mexico, and Billy Nazario from San Juan, Puerto Rico. What a beautiful fusion of cultures and flavors!

My Nana passed away when I was just four, but I’ve always felt her presence in the kitchen. I’ve heard so many stories about how she would rise at 4 a.m. to make stacks of flour tortillas, a fresh pot of beans, and green or red chile—staples in a New Mexican home. All the neighborhood kids would gather around her, drawn to her warmth and incredible cooking. She loved children—after all, she had 15 of her own! I still remember the day she left us, even at such a young age.

I lost my dad when I was nine. He often joked that he married my mom for her cooking. Growing up on Puerto Rican food in Puerto Rico and New York, he fell in love with my mom’s New Mexico-style dishes when he moved to LA. He adored her heart, beauty, and generosity. Sadly, he passed away at just 35, leaving us with a single mom who worked hard to provide for us.

We didn’t have much, but my mom’s love and cooking filled our home. She welcomed everyone, just like my Nana did, often feeding anyone who stopped by. Her kindness and faith in God were boundless. I remember her saying, “Your daddy married me because I could cook!” It’s in those moments that I learned the true meaning of love through food.

From a young age, I was right there with my mom in the kitchen. I’d come home from school, the aroma of her cooking wrapping around me like a warm hug. Her food was extraordinary—green and red chile simmering in pots, freshly made tortillas slathered with real butter. Words can hardly capture how incredible her meals were.

Mom taught me everything—from tamales to American and Italian dishes. She never measured anything, so until now, there were no handwritten recipes. It’s truly a gift to understand flavors and smells. Her palate was remarkable, and today, I cherish that same gift. Years of experience have shown me that altering recipes to fit others’ tastes would diminish the essence of Nana’s food. I create my own dishes, but I honor that tradition above all. In fact, I’ve completed two cookbooks to share these cherished recipes and memories.

My greatest mission is to help women in recovery become self-sufficient, empowering them to support themselves apart from any man. I aim to fuel their self-esteem and confidence through powerful makeovers and teach them essential kitchen skills for cooking for their families. Helping them get back on their feet and witnessing such transformations is truly inspiring. As someone in sobriety, I feel a deep responsibility to break the generational curses we’ve inherited. With God, all things are possible, and creating a supportive environment for other women is my purpose.

I dream of establishing a sober living space where I can host events and workshops to educate women, alongside my Temecula Tamale Factory. So, when you support Nana's, know that it all goes back to helping women who need it most.

In my kitchen, I focus on authenticity—real love, real ingredients, all handmade from scratch. Most of what I cook is gluten-free, using fresh, imported ingredients and embracing the good old-fashioned way of cooking. There’s no low-fat here! I’m your cook, not your doctor. Interestingly, many of my dishes can still be low-carb or keto-friendly if you skip the tortillas, beans, or rice.

While I wear many hats and have a background in real estate since 1993, cooking is my first love and passion. I’ve raised seven children with one husband (yes, I clarify that because people ask!). I deeply care about what goes into your meals and your home. Food, family, faith, and real estate are what define me. For your real estate needs, visit me at SoldbyMichelleAnn.com.

For those curious, I’m a woman of significant experience, standing 5’1” with brown hair and eyes. I embrace life with laughter and positivity, avoiding negativity whenever I can. I love helping others and bringing joy into people’s lives. I’m passionate about teaching women the lost art of cooking, and I advocate for those in recovery.

I also run a business, ALL Things Feminine Goddess (www.atfgoddess.com), where I host parties focused on wellness and empowerment for women, adding a bit of fun back into their lives.

Above all, I love God with all my heart. Without Him, I know I am nothing. I hope this gives you a glimpse into who I am—a hardworking, fun-loving, old-fashioned woman blessed beyond what I deserve.

I look forward to doing business with you!

Chef Nana ~ Michelle Ann