MasterChef 2026 runner-up Candice Meth on motherhood, career and finding the courage to chase her dreams

Candice Meth, the runner-up on MasterChef 2026, reflects on how her experience on the cooking competition has transformed her perspective on life, success, and her own aspirations. Balancing her career, marriage, and motherhood alongside her involvement in MasterChef presented numerous challenges, but Meth emphasized that she had the support of her family and workplace throughout her journey.

Drawing strength from her faith, Meth referenced Colossians 2:23, which encouraged her to pursue her endeavors with dedication and honest intentions. She recalled feeling a range of emotions while competing, from exhilaration to self-doubt, and acknowledged that the show compelled her to reflect on her true desires and passions.

After the competition concluded, Meth expressed a desire to actively live and thrive, rather than merely surviving, and to embrace life fully. Despite the difficulties of managing her career, family obligations, and the high-pressure environment of MasterChef, Meth highlighted the invaluable support from her employer, Momentum, which enabled her to participate in the competition.

The television kitchen itself provided unique challenges, with Meth particularly enjoying the experience of creating a fine-dining dish like Vis Kop Sop at home. Meth's story underscores the importance of confronting challenges head-on, regardless of their magnitude. As a working mother, she often prioritized others' needs but credited her husband's encouragement to chase her dreams for teaching her the value of pursuing her own ambitions.

Managing a household required careful planning, realistic expectations, and the willingness to relinquish some control. Meth acknowledged that balancing personal ambitions with family life did not diminish her love for her family but rather empowered her to model the possibility of simultaneously loving one's family and pursuing personal growth.

Meth advises women to start pursuing their dreams without waiting for the "perfect" moment. She emphasized that there is no perfect time to begin, urging women to take the first step, even if they feel unprepared or fearful. "You don't need to have the whole plan. You don't need everyone's permission. You don't even need to feel ready," she stated.

Meth's success has evolved beyond the accolades of winning a competition. Inspired by the positive feedback she has received from women who were motivated by her family's story and her MasterChef experience, Meth redefined success for herself. For her, success means being carefree and daring, celebrating life while proudly acknowledging her past challenges and honoring her mother's legacy.

Looking forward, Meth aspires to collaborate with local brands to promote love through food and to host intimate, personal dining experiences for up to ten guests. She is also in the process of compiling a recipe book. However, Meth's most ambitious goal is to inspire others to pursue their own dreams, emphasizing that one person being inspired by her story is enough to consider her efforts meaningful.

For Meth, the journey towards realizing a dream does not require a meticulously mapped-out path. "Sometimes you just need to take the first step. If I can do it, so can you."