Immersed in the rich culinary tradition of Brazil since birth, Ludmila "Mila" Maia Nelson has always had a deep-rooted bond with food. Originally a successful attorney, she chose to swap legal briefs for chef's knives, following her heartfelt passion for the culinary arts.

A proud alumnus of Chicago's prestigious Kendall College, Chef Mila embarked on her culinary journey in 2017. Her experiences in the health-focused kitchens of Whole Foods and Chef Alex Atala's globally-renowned D.O.M., listed in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, have added diverse dimensions to her culinary skills. Her gastronomic explorations have taken her across the globe, including Singapore, Cambodia, Paris, Italy, London, and Indonesia - further enhancing her culinary wisdom.

Having trained at the venerated Natural Gourmet Institute and the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City, Chef Mila's expertise extends beyond the conventional kitchen and into the realms of holistic and vegetarian cuisines.

Her culinary philosophy has been deeply influenced by the Ayurvedic tradition. After receiving certification in Ayurvedic Nutrition and Cooking from India's National Ayurvedic Medical Association in Goa, she has seamlessly integrated the principles of this ancient practice into her own lifestyle and culinary creations.

Further expanding her culinary knowledge, Chef Mila returned to her studies at New York's Institute of Culinary Education, earning certifications in Culinary Nutrition and Food Therapy. Her deep understanding of evidence-based nutrition, sustainable food systems, alternative diets, and the science of whole foods now permeates her culinary approach. Her Food Therapy knowledge aids in creating adaptive meal plans and diets for those with specific dietary needs or health conditions.

During the global pandemic, Chef Mila took a bold step to open Ahava, a pop-up restaurant in Brazil that blended the best of Brazilian and American cuisines. A critically reviewed success, Ahava provided a unique brunch experience, with a menu that reflects healthy concepts and her global culinary influences.

Today, Chef Mila brings her diverse culinary background to the table as a personal chef, serving clients worldwide. She also shares her culinary wisdom by teaching plant-based and holistic culinary courses and providing consulting services for recipe development to restaurants and businesses.

Inspired by the idea that nutritious food is the cornerstone of blissful energy, Chef Mila founded Blisfuel. She finds her greatest fulfillment in sharing the joy of healthy, delicious food with others.