At 36, Thecla has built a life rooted in intention, faith, and service—one that flows seamlessly between the kitchen and the spaces people call home. Based in Islamabad, Pakistan, she is more than a chef or designer; she is a culinary and hospitality expert, an interior designer, and an entrepreneur whose work is guided by a deeper purpose. As a Christian creative, she approaches everything she builds with the belief that her gifts are meant to serve others, creating not just meals or interiors, but experiences that bring comfort, connection, and peace.
Her work lives at the intersection of food and space.
As a chef and culinary arts instructor, Thecla teaches people how to cook with confidence through hands-on classes that remove intimidation and replace it with understanding. At the same time, her work as an interior designer allows her to shape environments that feel warm, lived-in, and intentional. For her, these two disciplines are not separate—they are deeply connected. Both are ways of creating beauty, both are ways of bringing people together, and both are rooted in the same goal: making others feel at home.
That philosophy traces back to where it all began.
Her creative journey started in her own kitchen and within the walls of her home, where she first witnessed the power of shared meals and thoughtfully designed spaces. Watching how food could gather people and how a well-arranged room could shift the entire mood of a space sparked something in her early on. She became drawn not just to the outcome, but to the process—the rhythm of preparing a meal, the care behind plating, and the subtle details that transform a room into something meaningful. What began as curiosity eventually turned into formal training, and from there, into a professional path that continues to evolve.
Her inspiration is grounded in faith.
Guided by Ephesians 2:10—“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works”—Thecla sees her work as more than a career. It is a calling. Every class she teaches, every dish she creates, and every space she designs is approached as an act of service. Whether she’s helping someone cook their very first Biryani or designing a peaceful dining area for a family, she views each moment as an opportunity to give, to uplift, and to reflect something greater than herself.
That intention defines her creative identity.
Warm, intentional, and rooted, her style is best described as “elegant, comfort and cozy.” Her food carries the refinement of restaurant-quality presentation while maintaining the familiarity of home, while her interiors feel elevated yet deeply livable. She believes that creativity should never feel out of reach or intimidating—instead, it should invite people in, encouraging them to explore their own ability to create.
Her journey, however, has required strength.
As a woman working within a male-dominated culinary space and building a creative business in Pakistan, she has faced moments where she had to prove her value repeatedly. Balancing her roles as a trainer, designer, entrepreneur, and individual has not been easy, but each challenge has strengthened her discipline and deepened her faith. Through it all, she has learned to trust timing, understanding that growth often happens in seasons that require patience.
Her proudest accomplishments are not measured by titles, but by transformation.
Watching a student complete their first full meal, seeing a mother gain confidence in cooking for her family, or receiving a design referral through word of mouth—these are the moments that define success for her. They represent impact, not just achievement. They show that what she creates is not only seen, but felt.
At the heart of her work is empowerment.
She wants people to understand that they are capable of creating beauty in their own lives, whether through food or the spaces they live in. For Thecla, excellence is not about perfection—it is an expression of care, a form of worship. If her work leaves someone feeling seen, nourished, or at peace, then it has already fulfilled its purpose.
What keeps her motivated is both her faith and the people she serves.
Every time someone says, “I didn’t think I could do this,” it reinforces her mission. Combined with her natural love for creativity, that motivation continues to push her forward. There is always something new to explore, whether it’s a dish, a design concept, or a person ready to learn.
Now, she is stepping into a new chapter.
With plans to open her café, The Kitchen Co., in Islamabad, Thecla is expanding her vision into a space where her philosophy can fully come to life. Alongside her work as a culinary instructor and hospitality expert, she continues to grow her interior design studio, taking on projects that reflect her signature balance of beauty and comfort. Each step forward brings her closer to building something that unites all aspects of her work into one experience.
Her future goals are both meaningful and intentional.
She plans to expand The Kitchen Co. into a full culinary academy while also working toward publishing a cookbook that blends recipes with stories of faith, home, and personal growth. It’s not just about teaching people how to cook—it’s about helping them connect, reflect, and create with purpose.
Thecla isn’t just building a business.
She’s building a lifestyle rooted in faith, creativity, and service—one that reminds people that even the simplest acts, like cooking a meal or designing a space, can carry extraordinary meaning.
Follow & Connect:
@TheKitchenCo
@abbysdesignstudios
📍 Islamabad
📞 +92-333-5676561 | +92-314-5676565