Defne Gunhan-Peters
I was born in Istanbul and met the hospitality business for the first time in my father’s hotel Defne Pansiyon in Datca, Turkey when I was 5 years old. From then on, meeting with new people on daily basis and making them happy with the endless adventure of good food became a must for me. After completing Vocational School of World Cuisine in Turkey I decided to spread my wings and fly abroad for more at the age of 16. I managed to find a job as a private cook at the house of a professor couple (Danah Zohar & Ian Marshall) in Oxford, UK through a family I met during mijn internship in a hotel. I was in charge of providing daily home cooked meals  and also responsible with organizing menu’s for business guests they entertained at home. With the sufficient pay and accommodation I received through this job I managed to complete my study, Supervisory Management and Hospitality in Oxford College. Besides my responsibilities as chef I completed a sommelier course at the age of 17 , worked in a number of Italian restaurants in the UK and followed a dive course to become a Padi Dive Master. A love story brought me to the Netherlands in 2006, 2 weeks after my arrival I was directly employed at O’Pazzo first as barista. In 2008 I was made manager and 2010 director. I was offered to take the place over in 2011. My power lies in feeling what people’s potentials are and wanting to walk the extra mile to get it all out there! I believe in karma and not in financial goals. Just like I experienced in my own life, I know for a fact that when you do your very best for people and your surroundings, you shall receive your own worth. Let your heart lead the mind in the constant flow of life and what you believe shall be your destination! Right now; Renewing en recreating O’Pazzo with my precious team of talented individuals:)