Hey there! I'm Carter Stafford, born and raised in the heart of Eastern North Carolina, where the barbecue is legendary, and the tea is as sweet as my Nanny’s compliments. I am a total foodie who lives for creating and tasting epic dishes. I have been cooking for the majority of my life. A huge shoutout to my mom for allowing me to turn her pristine kitchen into a demolition zone. Imagine a spice lab explosion with a side of charred ambition. Yep, that’s my specialty!

In my teenage years, I got caught up in social media, friends, and sports because, well, what teenager doesn’t? It wasn't until I got grounded for a month at 14 that I truly discovered my secret ingredient—time. So there I was, perfecting my seasoning skills while silently cursing my temporary indoor confinement. In those days of solitary seasoning, I developed my culinary claim to fame: Carter Ryan’s Seasoning - infusing smoky southern vibes with a kick of soul. I started selling my secret blend at local flea markets and outside my dad's barbershop - the rest is history!

I’m forever grateful for my friends and family who’ve always had my back, even when my first few attempts tasted more like "oops" than "yum." And to my parents, who have always believed in me. Their support means the world! Join me as I spice up the world, one dish at a time.