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

Arica, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you wish you had started sooner?

When I think about STL’s Pot Chef and when we started, I truly feel like the timing was just right. We officially kicked things off in November 2023, with our first event planned for April 21, 2024. If I could go back in time, I wouldn’t change the timeline. Here’s why: everything I did before this moment was necessary to make this brand what it is.

Before launching STL’s Pot Chef, I was juggling multiple businesses and growing my skills in media production, event planning, and connecting with people. Those experiences gave me the confidence and knowledge to create something unique in the cannabis-infused space. If I had started sooner, I don’t think I would’ve had the resources, connections, or clarity to execute the vision at this level. If I had waited longer, I might have missed this sweet spot where infused dining is really taking off, and people are hungry (literally!) for these types of experiences.

Starting when I did allowed me to launch with intention. I had a clear direction, a supportive community, and enough professional experience to handle challenges head-on. I’m grateful for the timing—it feels like everything in my journey led me to this exact point, and it’s exciting to watch STL’s Pot Chef grow into something bigger than I even imagined.

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?

I’m the owner and creative force behind STL’s Pot Chef, a brand born out of my passion for creating unique, cannabis-infused experiences. Our journey began in November 2023, with our first event set for April 21, 2024. As a serial entrepreneur, I’ve spent years running businesses, including photography, video production, media and event services, which paved the way for this new venture.

At STL’s Pot Chef, we curate elevated dining experiences that combine exceptional flavors with the therapeutic and recreational benefits of cannabis. From infused ingredients to gourmet meals, our offerings are designed to delight the senses and redefine what dining can be. What sets us apart is our focus on blending creativity with professionalism, ensuring every event is both unforgettable and approachable.

I’m most proud of the community we’re building—connecting with people who value high-quality, well-thought-out experiences. I want supporters to know that everything we do comes from a place of passion, care, and a commitment to excellence. Whether it’s a private dinner, a public event, or a unique collaboration, STL’s Pot Chef is here to create moments that inspire, delight, and leave lasting impressions.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

The driving mission behind STL’s Pot Chef is to revolutionize how people experience cannabis-infused dining while building a community that celebrates creativity, flavor, and connection. My ultimate goal is to take the brand nationwide, hosting immersive dining experiences and competitions across the country. I want the Pot Chef to become a household name in the cannabis-infused space, known not only for exceptional food but also for fostering a sense of excitement and inclusivity.

These competitions will showcase culinary talent from all corners of the nation, offering chefs and creators a platform to shine while delivering unforgettable experiences to our guests. The vision is bigger than just dining—it’s about setting new standards, creating opportunities, and showing the world the incredible possibilities of cannabis-infused cuisine.

We’re aiming to collect 1,000 toys for kids in need this holiday season! Drop off your unwrapped gifts at Cola Lounge, 30314 Smoke Shop, or JB 2021 Wireless to support the cause. Don’t forget to join us at the Munchie Market on December 14th—bring a gift and receive one from our amazing partners! Learn more about upcoming events at stlpotchefs.com🎁✨

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building my audience on social media started with creating custom content that truly reflected the heart of STL’s Pot Chef. From the very beginning, I focused on crafting posts that showcased the creativity and uniqueness of the brand—beautiful visuals, intriguing teasers about our events, and content that told our story in a way that felt personal and engaging.

I didn’t rush the process. For the first few months, I focused on laying the foundation, carefully curating content to build anticipation and intrigue. When I started actively sharing, the groundwork paid off. I leaned into storytelling and visuals that not only showcased our offerings but also connected with people on a personal level.

For anyone just starting to build a social media presence, my advice is to invest in creating custom content that represents your brand’s voice and values. Take the time to develop your identity and share strategically. Be consistent, engage with your followers authentically, and don’t shy away from showing the behind-the-scenes moments—they help people connect with you and your journey. Building an audience takes time, but with the right focus and intentionality, it’s absolutely worth it.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.stlpotchefs.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stlpotchef/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stlpotchef
• Other: https://www.stlpotchefs.com/events/stls-pot-chef-presents-the-munchie-market-holiday-edition https://www.saucemagazine.com/things-to-do/stls-pot-chef-hosts-danksgiving-food-competition-on-nov-24-17373282

Image Credits
Beam Photos & Production STL’s Pot Chef Fo Knows Digital