About Jennifer Maune
JENNIFER MAUNE, RECIPE – HOME DESIGN – LIFESTYLE BLOG
Jennifer Maune is an award-winning chef, restaurateur, and founder whose culinary career has taken her from her Arkansas roots to some of the most prestigious kitchens in the world. A celebrated finalist on MasterChef with Gordon Ramsay—where she placed second out of more than 40,000 contestants—Jennifer is known for her refined culinary style, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to hospitality excellence.
Raised in Central Arkansas and a longtime resident of Little Rock, Jennifer began her culinary journey in her grandmother’s kitchen, where she developed a deep appreciation for food as a form of connection and creativity. After a successful first career in lifestyle blogging, design, and media, she followed her true calling and enrolled in the Culinary Arts and Hospitality Institute at the University of Arkansas–Pulaski Technical College, where she earned degrees in both Culinary Arts and Pastry Arts, graduating with Highest Honors. She received Gold and Bronze Medals from the American Culinary Federation and advanced her training at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, earning an Advanced Pastry Certification.
Jennifer was one of only seven individuals globally accepted into the Expert Diploma in Culinary Arts program at the world-renowned École Ducasse in Paris, founded by legendary Chef Alain Ducasse. Her classical training led her to stagiaire positions at The French Laundry (Chef Thomas Keller), Le Louis XV (Chef Alain Ducasse), and Restaurant Gordon Ramsay in London—each a three-Michelin-starred institution. She also trained at Adour by Alain Ducasse in Meudon, France.
In 2026, Jennifer will debut her flagship concept, Restaurant Fleur, in downtown Little Rock. As founder and executive chef, she will introduce an elevated French-American dining experience inspired by global gastronomy, sustainable sourcing, and the timeless tradition of Southern hospitality. Restaurant Fleur will also include a European-style pastry shop, a private dining space for events and celebrations, and a Chef’s Tasting Room.
Jennifer’s culinary vision is guided by a deep respect for heritage, a pursuit of excellence, and a desire to enrich her community through food. Her mission is to bring world-class hospitality to Arkansas and beyond, while uplifting regional producers and inspiring the next generation of chefs. She lives in Little Rock with her husband and business partner, Brian Maune, and their six children.
Follow Jennifer:
Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok: @ChefJenniferMaune and @jennifermaune
Hi, my name is Jennifer, founder of this recipe, home design and lifestyle blog where I share inspiration for ‘Living Life Beautifully’. You’ll find easy recipes, along with tips and trends centered around home design, DIY projects, entertaining, holidays, and travel.
Since MasterChef aired (on FOX network and Hulu), I have released a seasoning brand, Heritage Seasoning, available to ship in the U.S., and I’m working on a cookbook and working with investors to open my flagship restaurant Little Rock, and we have exciting plans to expand.
Another love of mine is home design. Years ago I took design courses, and I love sharing tips for transforming your home through home remodeling and DIY projects. I love sharing the latest design trends, holiday decorations, floral design, and table settings. I’m honored to be a Better Homes and Gardens Stylemaker for 2021-2023, and an LTK and Amazon Live Influencer where I share my favorite, affordable finds for home, entertaining and style. I hope you’ll follow my LTK Storefront for daily deals, current trends, and more!
I have been a licensed REALTOR since 2008, and I am now with EPIC Realty of Little Rock. I love sharing real estate tips and helping my clients with their real estate needs.
When I am not hard at work developing recipes, styling spaces, or creating content for this blog and social media, I love soaking up time with our six children! Our family has always made travel a priority, and we love sharing our adventures along with large family travel tips and guides.
I love connecting with you all, and supporting others who are on a similar journey. I read and enjoy every email and comment, and hope you will subscribe and join my online family!
MEDIA AND SPECIAL FEATURES
Featured on the TODAY Show, and in Country Living Magazine, Better Homes and Gardens, Cottages and Bungalows, At Home in Arkansas Magazine, KARK News, and Little Rock Soiree Magazine.
COLLABORATIONS & SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
Jennifer has branding experience and loves to work creatively with brands. Collaborations include professionally shot and edited photography. She works with a web developer, and all sponsored posts and social media shares are done so with expert Search Engine Optimization, strategic engagement and promotion efforts across various social media channels depending on the partnership.
Jennifer is also available for press events and speaking engagements. Holding a degree in Speech Communications, she has experience speaking in various capacities. She was a speaker at Megaphone Summit and Haven Blog Conference, and served as a brand ambassador for the Design Influencers Conference and a Design Influencer at High Point Market.
To read my full disclosure and privacy policy, go to https://jennifermaune.com/disclosure.