Photo Credit: tini younger/instagram
Popular social media chef and Next Level Chef breakout star Tineke Younger, known to her millions of followers as “Tini,” has opened up about her ongoing journey toward healing following the tragic loss of one of her newborn twins. In a series of vulnerable posts shared on March 4, 2026, the culinary influencer provided a raw look at how she is “pushing on” while navigating the complexities of profound grief and new motherhood.
Younger and her husband, Antoine Wright Jr, welcomed their twins in late 2025, a milestone that was initially celebrated by her massive “Tini’s Kitchen” community. However, the joy was soon overshadowed by a medical crisis that led to the passing of one of the infants. After taking a brief hiatus from her high-energy cooking content to process the tragedy privately, Younger has slowly returned to the digital space, using her platform to foster a conversation about infant loss and maternal mental health.
“Every day is a battle between the joy I feel for the baby who is here and the deep ache for the piece of my heart that is missing,” Younger shared in an emotional video. She described the “survivor’s guilt” that often accompanies the loss of a multiple, explaining that the daily routines of caregiving serve as both a painful reminder and a necessary anchor. “People ask how I’m still cooking, how I’m still smiling. The truth is, I’m pushing on because I have to. My baby needs me, my husband needs me, and honestly, the kitchen is the only place where I feel like I can breathe.”
The chef, celebrated for her signature “Mac and Cheese” and approachable comfort food, noted that her perspective on life and career has shifted significantly. She revealed that she is currently working on a new project, a “Healing Kitchen” series, which focuses on the therapeutic nature of cooking during times of trauma. Younger emphasized that she is no longer interested in the “hustle culture” of social media, choosing instead to prioritize her family and her mental well-being.
The response from the culinary world and her fan base has been an outpouring of support, with fellow chefs and thousands of parents sharing their own stories of loss in her comments. By speaking candidly about her “heroic” year-long battle with grief, Younger has transitioned from a viral cook to a beacon of resilience for many. As she continues to balance her recovery with her career, she remains dedicated to honoring her late child’s memory through advocacy.
