Felix Nicholson

My name is Felix Nicholson. I was born in the United Kingdom, raised in the Spanish Pyrenees, and have lived in Ireland since 2015. These transitions across countries and cultures have shaped my outlook on work, identity, and personal growth. After converting to Islam and beginning a new chapter of my life in Ireland, I committed myself to progressing both personally and professionally toward a career in the culinary world.

I currently work as a Junior Head Chef in a small café. I have experience that spans kitchens and cooking, cleaning and maintenance; and a range of customer‑facing roles.. These roles gave me a strong foundation in communication, teamwork, and the realities of the service environment, all of which continue to support my development as a chef.

Alongside my professional work, volunteering has played an important role in my personal and community life. Since 2018, I have served as an Outreach Assistant with the Kerry Islamic Outreach Society, contributing to the organisation of community events and supporting local outreach initiatives. During the early months of the COVID‑19 pandemic, I participated in the “Feeding the Front Liners” project at Kerry College, preparing meals for test‑centre staff and ambulance workers during a period of significant uncertainty and strain. More recently, I have taken on a volunteer role as a Catering Chef with Meals on Wheels, supporting social‑service efforts to provide food to vulnerable members of the community. These experiences have strengthened my sense of responsibility, compassion, and service — values that I carry into my work as a chef.

I take pride in being an enthusiastic and reliable individual with several years of food preparation and service experience across different sectors. My work ethic, curiosity, and willingness to learn have been central to my progression. I am a driven person with a consistently positive attitude, always looking for the next challenge or opportunity to expand my skills and deepen my understanding of the industry.

I am currently studying for a Bachelor’s Degree in Culinary Arts at MTU Kerry. This academic path allows me to strengthen my technical knowledge, broaden my industry perspective, and prepare for future leadership roles. My long‑term goals include further academic progression, increased industry experience, and eventually working for myself. With the right mentorship and guidance, I believe I am steadily moving closer to achieving these ambitions.

Reflecting on my journey so far, I see a pattern of resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to meaningful growth. Each stage of my life — from my multicultural upbringing to my move to Ireland, my conversion to Islam, my community work, and my return to education — has shaped the chef and the person I am becoming. I remain focused on building a career that aligns with my values, supports my family, and allows me to contribute positively to the culinary world.