Chef Pepín: Stirring the Soul (Spring 2008) More in Food

Color palettes used to turn a profit for Javier Mayoral, but it's his refined palate that's making the dough now. After running an art store for eight years, Mayoral in 2005 moved to the front burner his desire to become a personal chef.

"My last year [working in the art store], I just wasn't feeling it," says the father of three. "Whenever I feel that I'm repeating myself, that's when I need to change."

Mayoral, who was born in Spain, convinced one family to take a leap of gastronomic faith and hire him. Today, a variety of clients keep this self-taught chef's business profitable, flavorful, and colorful.