Nontobeko, who goes by Nunu, has an eye for detail, keeps the menu items coming out of our kitchen beautiful and delicious, and her smile lights up the room. As Head Chef, she makes sure our menu is executed in a way that surprises new customers and reminds our regulars why they keep coming back. Meet Nunu:

From South Africa to Colorado

I’m from a developing neighborhood called Ironside in Vereeniging, part of the Gauteng Province of South Africa. I came to America in 2016, where I worked in various kitchens until I met my husband, Eliot Tilton. At that time, he had lived in Crested Butte (CB) for 3 years. I fell in love with the beautiful scenery, his amazing friends, and the incredible life he showed me we could have here. I decided to move to CB, and worked in a couple of kitchens and did some cleaning jobs. I truly gravitated towards Montanya because of the BLM (Black Lives Matter) work some of us were doing with Karen—especially in a difficult time, where I didn’t feel at all safe being a black immigrant woman in a mostly white ski town. Montanya was head on actively tackling racism.

Mbokwana-Tilton standing under a desert arch.

Why Crested Butte is Home

I continue to stay in CB because of all the beautiful friendships I’ve had the utmost pleasure forming and nurturing! Yes Crested Butte is insanely beautiful and it’s a work in progress, however I have very smart and hard working, positive, strong and progressive gems for friends and that’s why I stay. Secondly I love my career and the people I work with. I believe in Montanya and the strides it makes daily to leave a positive impact on the environment, its employees and everyone that comes in for the Montanya/CB experience. Montanya is forever evolving and growing and I’m all for growth!

Biggest Source of Inspiration

I draw inspiration from everything and everyone around me, but mostly myself. I’m inspired by the reality of where I’m from and the possibilities of where I’m going. I’m inspired by my family back home—my mother and siblings making powerful strides in a difficult, unstable economy. For them I will do and be better! I’m inspired daily by my intelligent and talented, handsome husband, with his great work ethic, levelheadedness, and kindness. I’m also inspired by our amazing friends crushing it in everything they do, chefs I’ve had the pleasure to learn and work under and...Myself! I’ve made it this far, and it’s just the beginning babee :)

Best Advice She’s Ever Received

Whatever you do, do it damn well, leave every situation better than you found it, allow yourself to be inspired by anything and everything (no matter how small), and be yourself. The world needs it!