The Story Behind Chef & Co Canada, PART 1

My Journey from Dream to Design: The Story Behind Chef & Co Canada, PART 1

I always dreamed of becoming a fashion designer, but the path was anything but straightforward. I started working at 16, exploring roles in healthcare, administration, and accounting. I earned a Psychology degree from UBC and worked my way through the CGA program. I wore many hats along the way, medical office assistant, optometrist assistant, physiotherapy receptionist, dental assistant, to even ophthalmology receptionist long before I even graduated university. But no matter how practical my career seemed, I never let go of my creative side.

Evenings and weekends were filled with art classes, and I eventually completed a diploma in makeup artistry from Blanche Macdonald, alongside fine arts and interior design certificates from BCIT and beyond. I held tightly to a dream: to one day create my own fashion collections. That dream would eventually lead me to my first fashion show in Hong Kong. 

In 2009, I moved to Guangzhou and Hong Kong to pursue fashion, Chinese painting, and Mandarin, while also working at the Canadian Consulate. At 29, I finally saved enough to attend fashion school in Hong Kong.

Entrepreneurship was always in my blood. Before founding Chef & Co Canada, I launched and ran three businesses: wedding floral design, a bridal retail kiosk, and a women’s and children’s fashion label called Bubbles Made in Korea. I hosted pop-ups and sold online globally, travelling often to source unique fabrics and build supplier relationships.

But it was during those travels and countless meals at Michelin-starred restaurants across more than 14 countries—that I noticed a gap.

In Vancouver, hospitality uniforms lacked personality. Generic linen services were the norm. Chefs who dedicated their lives to excellence were wearing aprons that didn’t reflect their identity, their craft, or their teams.

I knew it could be better.

Every detail in a fine-dining restaurant—from the food and service to the restaurant renovations and design, chairs, tables, plates, cups, lighting and uniforms is an extension of the brand. And yet, chefs, the heart of hospitality, were overlooked when it came to thoughtful design.

That’s when I started designing aprons. First for a few chefs. Then through word of mouth, it grew.

Eventually, I founded Chef & Co Canada, a brand built to serve those who serve others where fashion meets function, and utility meets identity.

To be continued...

With gratitude,

Patricia Wong, Chef Stylist, Founder, and Fashion Designer behind Chef & Co Canada Design Studio Inc.