We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Aria Reid a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Aria, appreciate you joining us today. Any advice for creating a more inclusive workplace?

Surprisingly the food industry is dominated by men. Middle aged men. I want to see more people that look me; Young, black, ambitious, and far from average. The food industry is not going anywhere, I want people to realize that and come build a career out of it, either for themselves or get in the field. Soon I hope to teach the generations after me that this is the place for them.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Aria. Most people dont believe me but I started cooking because (she’s gonna hate me for this) but my mom couldn’t cook. No offense to her she’s very hardworking and so dinner was always quick and easy for us but I believe I came out the womb w an elevated palette so I just always had a taste for something more. I taught myself to cook starting in elementary school, just experimenting, and somehow mastering great meals. Shortly after high school, I wasn’t to sure of my path and the only thing I found joy in was cooking so I stuck with it and began to monetize. Such as, making and selling snacks to the locals and college students in the area, occasional plate sales, and eventually I scaled down to private dinners and small party catering after I gave birth to my now 3 year old. While I was pregnant, I enrolled into a culinary program and received my certificate which personally. is honestly one of my greatest accomplishments to date but soon do plan on furthering my education. I have a cooking with cannabis certification as well and one day hope to LEGALLY be able to serve my home state of New York as a full time cannabis chef.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Like many young moms, once I found out I was pregnant. I thought my life was over. But til this day I still get emotional reflecting on the days where I thought I’d have to give up on what I love but instead I strapped that baby girl to my chest and still threw down in that kitchen and even now she loves to help me cook.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Being a small business owner is definitely quite the journey and I know it feel it takes a village, but unless you have a partner, or investor, NO ONE ELSES OPINION MATTERS. Anything you want to do you can do, your business is almost your second life line. Whether its an aesthetic, your offering, on just w u operate, do what works for you!

I’ve always been a little unorthodox and that’s definitely carried into my business. My family and friends have been very opinionated when it comes to things like my logo or flyer, etc. But simple has never been pleasing enough for me and I stuck with what makes me happy and its worked.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/chefari4umami
• Instagram: @umami.eight

Image Credits
Aria Reid