- Knock, knock. Who’s there? Queso. Queso who? Queso you don’t give me a bite of that churro, we’re gonna have a problem!
- Why did the tortilla move to Arizona? Because it wanted to live in a "wrap-idly" growing state
From Tex-Mex to Thai
When Catherine Jadin was growing up in El Paso, TX, mealtime meant border food and the familiar flavors of Tex-Mex classics. International cuisine wasn’t part of her world until college when she had her first taste of Thai food—an experience that would come full circle years later.
A creative spirit, Catherine initially pursued fashion in New York City, even auditioning for Project Runway! But transitioned into sales—first in commercial furniture and then in pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
Then, in 2015, a chance encounter in a Thai market set her on an unexpected path that would eventually lead to a whole new career.
A Life-Changing Encounter in Thailand
On a trip to Thailand, in the midst of the wonderful chaos of a food market, Catherine met Kimberly Douglas, a fellow traveler on her own global adventure. Kimberly, who was working remotely for Sticky Fingers Cooking® at the time, spoke with contagious enthusiasm about her work at a kids’ cooking school that used food as a gateway to exploring different cultures. She described the magic of teaching children—how confidence grew as they chopped, mixed, and tasted new flavors from around the world. And how cooking could be a lesson in history, geography, and creativity all at once.
Catherine listened. She registered the spark in Kimberly’s voice and the joy that came from meaningful work and tucked the conversation away in the back of her mind. Their paths diverged, but the two stayed connected on social media.
Over the next decade, Catherine met and married Kyle. Together they built a family, welcoming two kids. But as their lives grew fuller, so did Catherine’s desire for something different—something beyond the corporate grind. Seeking a change, they packed up and moved to Thailand for 18 months, unknowingly setting the stage for a transformation she hadn’t yet imagined.
A Career Shift That Just Made Sense
When they returned to the U.S., the family settled in Arizona, ready for a new chapter. But the structured corporate world that once felt secure to Catherine now felt stifling. Catherine’s priorities had shifted. She no longer wanted just a job—she wanted work that excited her, felt meaningful, and made an impact.
She was already contemplating her next move when, nearly 10 years after their chance meeting in Thailand, a familiar name popped up on her LinkedIn feed: Kimberly Douglas, now the COO of Sticky Fingers Cooking®. She was posting about franchise opportunities—suddenly everything clicked.
A memory surfaced—Kimberly’s voice buzzing with excitement as she talked about teaching kids to cook, using food as a gateway for exploring the world. Catherine felt a similar spark. "Oh my gosh, this is perfect!” Catherine recalls thinking. “It has exactly what I need in terms of support and the community aspect of things.” Taking a leap, she reached out to Kimberly. Questions turned into conversations; conversations turned into plans. Soon, Catherine found herself stepping into a new role—entrepreneur, educator, and business owner.
To Sticky Fingers Cooking® founder and CEO Erin Fletter, Catherine’s story is familiar. “We often hear from franchise owners that joining Sticky Fingers Cooking® feels like coming home,” says Erin. “Catherine is the perfect example of someone who found a way to blend her love for food, travel, and community into a business that truly makes an impact. The kids in Phoenix are so lucky!!!”
Help us Spread the Word in Phoenix!
Share the news with your friends and family—terrifically fun, hands-on, afterschool cooking classes, and cooking camps are now available to kids in and around Phoenix! Young chefs can explore global flavors, build confidence, and get creative in the kitchen.
Inspired by Catherine’s love for Thai food? Try one of our favorite kid-friendly recipes at home: Colorful Thai "Rad Na" Noodles + Five-Minute Marinated Tofu Marvel + Green Tea Thai Ice Milk.
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