We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Aricia Alvarado a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Aricia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?
I began searching for the name to my catering company by asking myself what the true meaning of my talent represented. began to write down the reasons and the things that really inspire me, the things that really get me thinking and creating. Obviously, food and beverage. My true inspirations are raw ingredients combined with the seasons, the elements such as fire cooking, baking or simply marinating and observing the subtle alchemical transmutations.
The true message of a meal aside from nourishment is to gather and share. I knew I had a connection to the ethereal and I consider myself a spiritually connected person, therefore I sat in meditation for many months asking for my company name and there was a moment when the symbols began to appear in my minds eye.
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?
Reflecting on my journey, I realize I ventured into culinary school straight out of high school, a time when it wasn’t the norm. I was one of just five females in the Culinary Arts program at LA Trade Tech. Why did I choose this path? It was a blend of seizing a passion and uncovering my hidden artistic side, inspired by the romanticized struggles of artists portrayed in movies. My love for cooking stems from childhood memories—the sacredness of nature’s nourishment, the ritual of firing up the stove, and the joy of sharing a simple meal with loved ones.
Being a woman in the kitchen posed myriad challenges. Yet, I remained resolute, refusing to abandon my dreams amidst a world of hot stoves, sweaty men, and ruthless standards. The journey wasn’t glamorous—I bore scars and burns like badges of honor, earned in the relentless pursuit of culinary perfection.
From co-owning my first restaurant while pregnant to now owning a catering business and a cozy restaurant with my husband, each hurdle has fortified me for the next. Today, I stand as a testament to resilience, passion, and the unwavering pursuit of my culinary dreams.
Alchemy kitchen is a catering service company that I launched because I have always been passionate about transporting my guests into a full sensory experience through food. We curate each menu based on the clients budget, inspiration, color scheme and seasonal ingredients. I am most proud that we have been hired to cook for many celebrities including our Vice President.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being a creative person is the profound sense of witnessing the process of creation come to life. From envisioning a concept in my mind to bringing it into existence as a tangible, edible experience, there’s a magical journey that unfolds. Whether it’s crafting a dish, arranging flowers, or designing a tablescape, there’s an extraordinary exchange that occurs as flavors, textures, and aromas intertwine to create a moment of pure bliss for those who indulge in the creation. It’s this transformative power of creativity that fuels my passion and brings me immense fulfillment as an artist.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
The best source of new clients for me has undoubtedly been word of mouth. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have such wonderful clients who have not only appreciated my work but also enthusiastically recommended me to their friends and networks. Their support and endorsements have been invaluable in expanding my client base and fostering meaningful connections within my community.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: alchemy_kitchen_
- Facebook: Alchemy Kitchen
Image Credits
Steve Lucero Hector Sandoval