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Candy
Lesher – a well-known culinary personality in Arizona
– has clearly undergone quite a transformation,
having lost over 70 pounds, and still counting, after
Lapband surgery. Additionally, her signature red hair
is now quite silver, a surprise result of the chemo and
radiation she underwent while battling cancer in 2007.
Now cancer free – Ms. Lesher radiates life, health
and joy even more than before.
Fascinated by early cooking programs hosted by Julia Child
and Graham Kerr, Ms. Lesher began
preparing meals for her parents and three younger sisters
by age 11; she read cookbooks like most read riveting
novels.
Though her practical career path was that of a secretary
– the kitchen kept calling; she inevitably spent
more time catering for employers and coworkers than typing
and filing.
Living in Germany for five years as a young military wife,
Ms. Lesher took every opportunity to immerse herself in
western European cuisine, working as a civil service secretary
to fund her culinary and vineyard escapades while developing
her skills by catering soiree’s hosted by single
officers.
Even when she took a 7-year hiatus from the office in
order to spend quality time with her two young children,
she could often be found catering a range of events for
her husband’s elite military unit, the White House
Communications Agency. |
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"If
there is one thing I can say about Candy, it is that she
makes
cooking fun. Her food is fabulous and presentation even
better.
I'm still making the cheesecake she taught me 15 years
ago!"
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Shauna
Halawith
President/CEO Kitchen Classics
#1 Retail Gourmet Kitchen Shop 2003
Gourmet Retailer Magazine |
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"I
had the joy of working with Candy on a custom perfume
story
several months ago... Communicating through scent vocabulary...
can be an arduous process with most. However, Candy was
so
different. She has an amazing command of the English language...
It was as if we were sitting next to each other smelling
plants and
flowers together vs long distance communication... Her
corresponding
story was beautifully crafted with the most amazing scent
descriptions.
I feel so grateful to have worked with Candy and hope
to again very
very soon."
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Jane
Hendler
Perfumer
President and Founder
Ajne Parfumerie and Apothecary
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"Candy's
writing acumen has provided me with wonderful cuisine
related articles for magazines I produce. Her exceptional
creative
talent leads you to almost smell and taste the culinary
treasures
she is describing."
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Nadine
Allen
Editor Unforgettable magazine
Rockingwood Studio
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"Candy's
ability to recognize and understand the ever changing
menu scene is a blessing to the chef's that pour their
emotion and
hearts into the dishes they create, she gets it!"
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James
Porter
Chef/Owner Tapino
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"...
Candy is a "natural" on-air talent. Her delivery
is articulate
while giving her viewers a warm sense of familiarity.
Recognized
as a culinary authority, I found the content of each show
to be both
creative and informative.
Similarly, her magazine editorial truly captured the integrity
of the
Valley's culinary world. She is a gifted writer on food,
travel and
entertainment... Candy expanded the editorial quality
and depth
due to her expertise, work ethic and relationships created
with
chefs and Valley partners... Candy Lesher is one of the
true
professionals and admired by many."
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Debora
M. Bridges
President
Bridges Media Group
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