"I'm so excited about Mimi's Soup Spoon because it gives me a chance to do the three things I love most: making art for children (all of the illustrations on the website are mine), working with children (I have a knack for understanding and communicating with kids) and working with food (I am a HUGE foodie!)."

Eliza is the daughter of a nutritionist. "Some of my happiest childhood memories are of being in the kitchen with my Mom. She instilled in me a love of cooking and eating. Mom taught me how to make healthy eating decisions when I was young." Now, Mom, Mary Hartley, RD, is Eliza's business partner. "Mom's professional advice has been invaluable."

Eliza graduated from SUNY Purchase College with a BFA in Printmaking and Art of the Book. Eliza has worked as a nanny in and out of New York City for the past seven years. She has cared for nine different children ranging in age from 3 months to 11 years.

Eliza has dealt firsthand with picky eaters and has learned how to get children to eat right. "I came to understand how difficult it is to feed children today, so I began to educate myself about childhood feeding and child development." Eliza invents kid-friendly recipes and fun ways of presenting new foods.

Nothing gives Eliza more joy than passing on her love of cooking to kids and their families.