Our Story

It begins with a universal modern truth: the rush of the day often leaves the joy of the kitchen behind. We trade the soulful act of cooking for the convenience of a quick meal, and in the process, we lose a vital connection—to our food, to our families, and to ourselves. This is where our story starts, not in a test kitchen, but in the reality of a busy life.

Cooking by Felix was founded on a simple, powerful idea born from the life of our creator, Felicia “Felix” Hayes. Raised in a vibrant Chicago home, Felix’s childhood was a rich tapestry of flavors. Her world was scented with the fragrant aroma of her mother’s Filipino lumpia and the classic, smoky char of her father’s all-American barbecue. The kitchen wasn’t just a room in their house; it was its heartbeat, a place of shared stories and passed-down traditions.

Years later, a demanding career in marketing pulled Felix into the same whirlwind that traps so many of us. Long hours and endless deadlines replaced leisurely meals. She saw it in her own life and in the lives of her colleagues—a deep desire for a home-cooked meal constantly at odds with the ticking clock. It was a problem that needed a real solution.

Drawing on the legacy of her family’s cooking, Felix began a quiet mission. She started creating recipes that honored both flavor and time. She deconstructed complex dishes, found clever shortcuts, and focused on the magic that happens when fresh, simple ingredients are treated with care. The result was a collection of meals that were not just fast, but exceptional. She proved, first to herself and then to her friends, that a fulfilling meal was not a luxury reserved for the weekends. This discovery was too important to keep to herself. Cooking by Felix became the platform to share that revelation.

Our Philosophy

We believe that a delicious, nourishing meal should not be a casualty of a busy schedule. Our philosophy is rooted in the unwavering belief that everyone deserves to eat well, every day. Cooking should be an act of joy and restoration, not another source of stress.

Every recipe we share is more than a list of ingredients and instructions; it is a promise. A promise of simplicity, of clarity, and of a successful, satisfying result. We are dedicated to creating a resource for the modern home cook—a trusted guide for those who crave the comfort of a home-cooked meal but feel they lack the time, energy, or expertise to make it happen. We celebrate the alchemy of turning simple, accessible ingredients into something truly special.

Meet Felix

Felicia “Felix” Hayes is the heart and founder of Cooking by Felix. With a culinary foundation built on the rich, diverse traditions of her Filipino and American heritage, she brings a lifetime of practical, hands-on experience to every recipe she creates. Her professional background in the fast-paced world of marketing gave her a unique understanding of the challenges facing busy people. This perspective inspired her to build a culinary brand focused on one thing: providing simple, elegant, and achievable recipes that empower home cooks to reclaim their kitchens and find joy at the dinner table.