Honolulu born and raised Keris Kuwana developed a love of pastries and candies from her father, a travelling member of the military who brought exotic treats back for his children. Always a fan of the kitchen, Kuwana loved the international textures and flavors from her father’s souvenirs.

After earning her bachelors’ degree in Fine Arts from the University of Hawaii, Kuwana worked for jeweler in Hawaii, valuing gems in a laboratory. Following a health scare, Kuwana decided to pursue her love of pastry, applying for a job decorating cookies at the bakery below her jewelry shop. Happy to be out of the lab, Kuwana earned $7 an hour and a new career.

Leaving the cookie shop, Kuwana landed a role at Alan Wong’s in Honolulu before applying to The Cordon Bleu in Las Vegas. After completing the program, Kuwana became a Corporate Pastry Chef for Roy’s before joining the Bachi Burger opening team. In 2009, Kuwana landed her first job on the Las Vegas Strip, becoming a Pastry Cook at Stratta at the Wynn. In 2010, Kuwana became a Pastry Chef at Aureole, then left with Megan Romano to open Chocolate & Spice before returning to Aureole again in 2013.

In 2015, Kuwana joined the newly opened Yardbird at The Venetian Resort as a Pastry Chef, moving up to become Corporate Executive Pastry Chef.

In 2019, Kuwana joined the opening team for The Slanted Door Las Vegas, serving as Executive Sous and Pastry Chef.
Kuwana switched gears in 2020, moving to LEV Group in Las Vegas to launch the company’s commissary kitchen as Keris Sweets, supplying pastry and desserts for some of Las Vegas’ best restaurants. Kuwana continues to make television appearances and attend media events.