Pivoting From Nursing to Baking: Following Your Passion with a Baking and Pastry Degree

While cooking, baking, and creating didn’t lead to her first career path, it was her passion and talent that led Marla to Louisiana Culinary Institute and its Baking and Pastry program. It was not unusual for Marla to bring cakes, cookies, and other treats to work as a nursing student. During one evening, after bringing her hobby to work, she had her “Eureka” moment. Her manager sent her a video of his daughter enjoying the cake she had brought in earlier that day, and it was then she knew she had a skill that made people happy. “I love that I can do something that I enjoy, and it makes others happy. I just love that,” says Marla.

When the time came to switch gears and find a great culinary school, not going too far from home was a key consideration. After doing some research, she discovered LCI and enrolled without even taking a tour. Marla finds it comforting and exciting to know that she is learning the skills to do what she wants for work. “I can open my own place and design my own thing because of the innovation and lessons I’m learning. The preparedness the instructors provide by teaching about food costs, restaurant management, production, and more are all very helpful.”

One challenge that she has adjusted to is the idea of competition. “I’ve learned that the stereotype of chefs being like Gordon Ramsey isn’t true, and healthy competition is a good thing,” says Marla. The small class sizes, the opportunity to be one-on-one with the chefs, and gaining their specific feedback have been invaluable aspects during her tenure at LCI. “Marla has a real drive to be in this industry. She’s been punctual and precise in all applications of the kitchen. I’m excited to see where her skills will take her in the future,” says Chef Colt Patin.

After graduation, Marla plans to open her own counter-serve café, something small where she can create and share what she loves. However, her ultimate goal is to start and run a non-profit that provides food for the homeless. “I want to give back with a non-profit that offers the homeless the freedom of choice when it comes to their meals.”

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From Music to Kitchen Mastery: Student Spotlight on Ben Messina

By Charlie Ruffolo • March 25, 2026

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