Get to know Food Network Star, Season 9, winner Damaris Phillips.

Damaris Phillips, a Southern spitfire from Louisville, Ky., graduated from Jefferson Community and Technical College with a degree in culinary arts and now teaches at the same school inspiring up-and-coming chefs to follow their dreams. Before returning to teach, Damaris took on various restaurant and baking jobs, working in the front and back of house. One of five kids, Damaris learned to cook at an early age and was responsible for cooking one night a week for her large family. Damaris uses her wit and her traditional Southern cuisine to pack a one-two punch in the kitchen.