Chef Ali's Story
I have heard the term, "Living the American Dream." Throughout my life. It starts at school in history class. When they talk about how America was founded. At some point the term became dirty and ignited fiery debates and the pointing out all the wrong that people do to one another because they are different.
When my great grandmother and her family emigrated to America I don't believe she thought of herself as a murderer or thief. I believe her family was just trying to make a better life for themselves. I'm a descendant of Russian origins on my maternal side. From all history books the USSR, Soviet Union, and now Russia citizens have always had a hard life. It's like they couldn't get it ironed out like Alaska seems to have. For my ancestors to move across all of Europe then ending up in a small town in Oklahoma to me says they had grit, determination and a goal in mind. For their daughters and sons to live their best life. From all the stories I have heard over the years my ancestors accomplished that. My great grandmother married a man that was part Cherokee. They built a life of antiques and love.
This is only one half of my lineage. I did a DNA test via Ancestry.com and found which parts of Africa my paternal ancestors were from. They include Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and the Congo. However, this is also mixed with another Native American tribe and Vietnam. Yes, I am the daughter of immigrants from around the world. I lovingly call myself a Heinz 57. Because I have so many nationalities running through my veins.
How does this contribute to my story? Well it all depends on how you look at it. Sure we can go with the victim outlook or, you can't keep a good dog down. My ancestors fought and worked so hard to improve their lives as well as give back to the country that welcomed them. Sure it was not easy. Some ancestors changed their name from Schmit to Smith to try to dodge the accusatory eye. However, others faced it head on, by enlisting in a white army because they felt the duty to do so. My grandfather fought in WW2, Korea, and Vietnam. Now to be clear by the time the Vietnam war came about he was not on the front lines or carrying a ladle. (Depends on which side of history it was) He was promoted so far up that he was in charge of all the Generals wives, the USO, and so much more that I may never know. He made a career for himself when the world looked down on a person not because of who they worshiped or how they lived but simply because he had more melanin than the rest of them.
Knowing my family history and the history of the world makes me not want to squander a moment of my present or future. I learn from my past. I brace myself for the difficulties that will arise and I hold onto my genetic makeup to push me forward no matter what comes at me. This has been proven in my life.
My Story: A Legacy of Strength and Flavor
I have loved cooking since the first time I boiled an egg. As I grew older I migrated towards the kitchen. I started developing my tastebuds by focusing on how food tasted. Then I noticed how people looked when they ate my creations. There is a look of complete satisfaction that can come only from that perfect bite. Then the surprise that the follow-up bites are just as pleasurable. I understand now that watching and bringing pleasure to people can be very rewarding. While keeping it 100% G rated.
By the time I was in high school I wanted to be a chef. I wanted to own and run a successful restaurant that also gave back to the community around it. I know it sounds pretty generic and sappy. But to what extent my dream goes is the question that should be asked. Before I answer it I must inform you that I am not in my roaring twenties or even an early dirty thirty. Not that age has anything to do with it, but I feel that it is important to know and understand that I have made my share of mistakes. These mistakes have been attributed to lessons learned. They are part of who I am just as much as my ancestors are. I have squandered my past that is why I have learned that taking life by the horns is more productive than running from it. With time I had started to learn about the importance of multiple streams of income. I tried my hand at network marketing but lacked confidence or understanding. I was at my computer one evening trying to get through a legal transcription test when I had a heart to heart with God. Long story short I expressed how transcription work is not what I want to do with my life. I wanted to be a chef. The next thing I heard changed the trajectory of my life. God said, “Do it”. So October 2023 I enrolled at my local college that had Culinary Management. Since then I have excelled in classes by becoming President of the Bed and Breakfast Club, joining Phi Theta Kappa, and National Honor Society. I have gained respect and confidence from my peers, instructors and myself. This is exactly why I created Twisted Spices. It’s a business that covers all things I love about the culinary field and identifies a need that most may not want to tackle.
How do you grow a food truck business into a success without the burnout? How do you do that in a restaurant? First, purchase land and build a food truck oasis. A place where the trucks can be stored, cleaned, stocked, and food prep is a breeze. It is safe, secure, video monitored and affordable. Food deliveries? That is easy with assigned commissary kitchens, loading docks and in house transport carts. Second, every event, wedding, or party has multiple elements to make it a success. Instead of having the client search for everyone and make those calls, we do it for them. With our relationships with local area venues, bars, locations, and eventually a place of our own we will be able to organize everything from table cloths to honeymoons. I also am giving back to my community not only by providing jobs but also developing an outreach to those left forgotten. This is my story. I am unapologetic about it and an open book. If you would like to know more please or sponsor a part of my future reach out to me. Let’s make history for future generations to learn from!