Ellen Bennett: How a Latina Line Cook Turned Aprons into a Billion-Dollar Biz
Few individuals can identify problems and craft remarkable solutions; Ellen Bennett is one of them.
As a 24-year-old line cook, she grew frustrated with the ill-fitting, poorly crafted aprons in professional kitchens. When her head chef announced plans to order new aprons, Ellen boldly declared, “I have an apron company,” despite having no company, no detailed plan, and only a faint idea of what the product would look like.
Driven by sheer determination and a willingness to embrace uncertainty, she transformed that first ambitious promise into Hedley & Bennett, a brand now synonymous with high-quality aprons and kitchen gear and has established itself as the premier apron company. Now, as a newly appointed member of the first-ever PepsiCo Foods Culinary Advisory Board, Ellen Bennett continues to shatter barriers and redefine industry standards.
Ellen Bennett grew up in Los Angeles, born to a Mexican mother and an English father. Reflecting on her childhood, she shares, “It was always exciting to visit Mexico, reconnect with my roots, and cook with my abuelita. That has always been a cornerstone of my career.” This connection to her heritage laid the foundation for her culinary journey.
“When I returned to the States and started living in LA, I landed a job at a two-Michelin-star restaurant. But even then, I would come home and cook tamales and enchiladas,” she recalls.
Now a seasoned chef and a mother of two, Ellen’s culinary heart remains deeply rooted in her Mexican heritage. “At home, it’s Mexican food all day long. No matter how much fine dining I’ve mastered, I always return to the food that makes me feel cozy and at home. That’s Latin food,” she says with a smile.
Ellen Bennett’s Journey and the PepsiCo Foods Culinary Advisory Board
Ellen Bennett joined the PepsiCo Foods Culinary Advisory Board, driven by the opportunity to embrace fresh perspectives. “What I find so interesting about this initiative is the way it brings in external voices to offer a new perspective,” she explains. “We often operate within the confines of our own worlds and ideas, but when someone from outside steps in, it can jolt us into seeing things from entirely new perspectives we hadn’t even considered.”
For Ellen, the chance to influence a global brand’s trajectory was irresistible. “PepsiCo has long been synonymous with snacks, but it is undergoing an exciting evolution toward becoming a total foods company. The acquisition of brands like Siete Foods underscores this transformation. It’s not just about snacks anymore. It’s about offering a diverse portfolio of foods,” she says.
She sees her role on the Culinary Advisory Board as a platform to drive new ways of thinking. “To be part of this journey, where one of the world’s largest companies invites thought leaders to the table and genuinely asks, ‘What can we do better? How do we evolve and grow?’- that’s extraordinary and inspiring.”
Dream First, Details Later
As an author, her book Dream First, Details Later: How to Quit Overthinking and Make It Happen encourages readers to embrace bold decision-making. This mindset has undeniably shaped her approach to creative ventures and partnerships.
“When PepsiCo reached out and said, ‘We want you to be part of our first-ever board,’ I was like, ‘Wow, that’s amazing; yes, let’s do it!’” she recalls. “It wasn’t about overthinking the details; it was about seizing the opportunity. Together, we are exploring uncharted territory, blending entrepreneurship with innovation. It’s the first time they’ve undertaken a project like this, and there’s so much room to push culinary boundaries, introduce people to new food experiences, and break norms.”
Ellen Bennett highlights how her heritage plays a pivotal role in this collaboration. “As a Latina, I feel it’s crucial to expose people to foods they might not encounter every day. I grew up eating tamales, but not everyone had that experience. Being able to channel my heritage, my unique perspective and my vibe into a powerhouse like PepsiCo Foods is incredible.
“All of this started because I decided to say yes. I didn’t know exactly how it would take shape, but I trusted that we would make a positive impact together. It’s only been three months, but it already feels like the beginning of a long journey filled with transformative changes that I believe will resonate far and wide.”
What Makes Ellen Bennett’s Show Kitchen Glow Up So Special
Kitchen Glow Up, one of Tastemade’s standout kitchen renovation shows, has quickly gained a loyal following for its heartwarming transformations. The show, which offers stunning makeovers for tired and outdated kitchens, has been renewed for a second season. Ellen shared her favorite transformation story as the host and producer, recounting an episode that beautifully celebrated cultural heritage.
“I really love every episode we’ve done. They are all so special. But one story truly stood out,” Ellen explained. “It was Stephanie’s kitchen. On the surface, it looked perfectly fine, even great. But once you opened the cabinets, it was chaos- everything was out of order.”
Ellen described the joy of redesigning Stephanie’s space to honor her Indian heritage alongside her husband’s Mexican roots. “We brought their backgrounds to the forefront of the kitchen. By the end, the whole house exuded warmth, vibrancy, and culture, and it felt like the house itself was giving you a giant hug. That transformation was my favorite because it wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was about storytelling through design.”
Initially, skeptics questioned why Stephanie’s seemingly decent kitchen needed a makeover. But Ellen’s team elevated the space, using thoughtful organization, bold colors, and cultural elements to create something extraordinary. “We installed a giant spice drawer with fifty different spices, organized Stephanie’s numerous chickpea powders, and showcased the flowers and ingredients she uses for traditional Indian dishes. It was about creating a home for everything and making it functional while celebrating who they are.”
This project, Ellen emphasized, reflects her broader mission of embracing cultural diversity through design. “It ties back to what we’re doing at PepsiCo Foods- celebrating different cultures under one roof. That’s the magic of this work, and it’s why I love it.”
The Secret to Stress-Free Holiday Cooking
With the holidays fast approaching, one essential tip for home cooks to simplify entertaining while crafting a memorable experience is this: involve your guests in the process. She explains, “When I host gatherings, one thing I always do to make everyone feel warm and welcome is get them involved. If I’m still preparing dinner when guests arrive, I’ll hand out aprons and assign roles. For example, I’ll say, ‘You’re in charge of drinks- make sure everyone who comes through the door has something in hand.’ Another guest might help set the table.
“By giving everyone a small task, you create a sense of purpose and belonging. It eliminates that awkward standing around feeling and shifts the dynamic suddenly, it’s not just your burden to carry; it’s a shared experience. I think home cooks often try to take on the weight of the entire event, but they could make their lives easier and their guests more comfortable by encouraging participation. You are not a restaurant; you’re hosting in your home. So, whether it’s your mom, nanny, grandma, or neighbor, let everyone contribute. It turns the gathering into a collaborative, joyful moment.”
Ellen Bennett’s Advice for Aspiring Cooks and Entrepreneurs
For young Latinas aspiring to enter the culinary industry and entrepreneurship, Ellen Bennett offers invaluable advice: embrace your roots. She emphasizes that the very things that set you apart are what make you special. “I feel incredibly proud to bring my diverse viewpoint to this culinary board,” she shares. “The fact that I am Latina, that I am Mexican—it’s something I am proud of, and I get to sit in a room with like-minded thought leaders, each with our own distinct backgrounds.”
Ellen encourages embracing your heritage, explaining that it’s essential to why she’s been invited to the table. “No matter your background, lean into it,” she advises. “Don’t be ashamed of it. When I was younger, I’d bring carne asada to school; food that my classmates didn’t eat. I felt a little embarrassed, but now, as an adult, I’m not embarrassed at all. I think it’s the coolest thing ever.
Ultimately, she believes that the very qualities that make you different are the ones that will set you on a path to success. “The world doesn’t need more of the same,” she reflects. “It needs differentiation, new perspectives, and fresh points of view. So, lean into your uniqueness, it is what’s going to propel you into the future.”
