The Collective

Founder, Director of Food & Beverage

Cara is from New Haven, CT and always had a passion for eating, cooking, vinyl music and the joy, peace, and community that all of these things bring.

“After Community College, I studied cooking, wine, and restaurant management at Johnson & Wales University while working in restaurants. This opened my eyes to the tapestry of the Food & Beverage world. Then, cooking in Boston's food non-profits I met people from all walks of life. For many patrons, our shared meal was the only nourishing one they had all day. In 2021, New Haven brought me back. A position in an emerging food incubation program at CitySeed allowed me to support low-income & primarily women food entrepreneurs, helping them bring their dreams to life. I was also working with EMERGE CT to create an incredible program that focused on improving food access for people coming home after prison.

Returning to New Haven reaffirmed that this community helped raise me. I've channeled my passions, years of schooling, & 15 years in various food service roles into building a cooperative business – Little Lion Collective. It's a vision of a hospitality industry revision, devoid of exploitation in any direction.”

Director of Operations

“As an enthusiast of art, music, design, food and culture, I find inspiration in every corner of life. From the tranquility of nature to the rich narratives of history, and the vibrant energy of different cities, I'm endlessly captivated by the world's diversity and creativity.”

Turning my passions into a career, I've worked as a fashion designer for top Fortune 500 companies, bringing my designs to life on a global scale. Transitioning my career within the fashion industry to the Global Manager of Product Development, Sourcing, and International Imports for corporations and small businesses. As a business advisor, I specialize in operational efficiency, research, and development.

The allure of Little Lion Collective touches my spirit, enriching me on numerous levels. Here, within a community that celebrates diversity and culture, connections are made over shared experiences, particularly through the joy of food and beverages.

Marketing & Partnerships Manager

Art and music have followed me throughout my life. Learning that it could motivate me and build my community was revelatory - I was able to find friends who shared my values and help me make it through anything. 

My first experience with this type of connecting started in college, where I learned to contribute and learn from my community. I volunteered at the school’s grocery co-op where I was exposed to ideas that I needed - I felt seen and not alone.

I volunteered at the Young Parent’s Program, where I saw first hand the power of coming together and helping each other. Childcare, legal help and bus passes were provided with the shared lunch cooked by the group. I was able to see kids with language barriers break them to form friendships, to help each other. Seeing the potential of these kinds of connections followed me and kept me going when it wasn’t around me. 

Art has saved my life and I hope to be able to help make Little Lion Collective the place where anyone could find the same. Third spaces are needed and rare - we have to work together to build them and keep going. 

I’m just excited to be here. 

Bartender

Frankie is a passionate advocate for nutrition, food sovereignty, and public health. She recently earned a Master of Public Health at the University of Michigan, Frankie is dedicated to becoming a dietitian and pushing the boundaries of the field’s status quo. She plans to spend her career building a food system that is equitable and reciprocal rather than extractive and exploitative. Also, Frankie did her undergrad at Johnson & Wales University for Culinary Nutrition.

Event Support

Jacqueline helps set up our events!

“Over the last few years, I’ve come to recognize the significance of community. Engaging with others in a safe environment offers a profound sense of purpose, a quest that has consumed much of my twenties. Through community, I’ve discovered lessons in compassion, kindness, and love. I hope that through Little Lion, I can help create a nurturing space for those in pursuit of similar experiences.”

Event Support

Jane helps curate the ~*vibe*~ through florals, textures, and thrifted decor.

“As someone who moved a lot as a child (and continued to do so as an adult) I have always focused on "home" as a feeling rather than a place. Whether setting up a new apartment, new cubicle, or tablescapes for dinner parties, I have always believed that creating a warm environment isn't about luxury or excess but rather about tenderness and care - something as small as using a favorite, well-loved dish can make you feel right at home. Bringing this attitude to Little Lion events creates replicable atmospheres of comfort and intentionality that fosters natural and joyful connections.”