Fourth-generation Italian American Michelle “Shelly” La Fata began her culinary journey back in 2007. She started off working for other chefs, but she says she always knew she wanted to be her own boss someday. By 2015, she was staying up late each night working on pasta recipes and binging Netflix documentaries about successful professional chefs. “I was thinking, ‘Could I ever become like them?’ and ‘Could I ever perfect this pasta? Is this a good direction for me?’” La Fata says.

Fast forward to present day, and Pasta La Fata has established itself as Columbia’s go-to provider of authentic Italian cuisine, from handcrafted pasta and fresh meats to delectable baked pastries. La Fata has had a weekly presence at Columbia Farmers Market since Pasta La Fata’s inception in October 2016.