Karla Castillo’s love for food began in her childhood—cooking after school for her siblings and watching her family transform a small kitchen into a space of abundance and celebration. These moments ignited her passion for creating beautiful, memorable food.

Born and raised in Southern California, Castillo pursued her culinary education there before embarking on a 14-year career as a pastry chef. Her experience includes renowned establishments such as D Bar San Diego, The Westgate Hotel, and the Marcus Whitman Hotel.

Since 2015, she has proudly called Walla Walla home.

Inspired by Walla Walla’s vibrant wine scene and rich agriculture, she founded Palette in 2021 to bring artfully crafted food experiences to the region.