Meet Pamela Askerneese Henry | Chef, BBQ & Smoked Meat Producer, Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Pamela Askerneese Henry and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Pamela, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
For one, to rewrite the legacy of my family from being cogs in the wheel to bring our own wheel. I knew that the hospitality business traditionally is not conducive for women that choose to be mothers, especially those of us that want to be active in our child’s lives, so I had to create my own way while still working my passion.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
It’s interesting to ask what sets me and Pam’s Magic Cauldron apart from everyone else because there’s only one me and no one is going to do anything the way I do it. This is why I enjoy passing my knowledge of food and techniques to others through cooking instruction. I’m not worried about someone stealing my ideas because we’re all different and we’ll all put a different spin on the exact same thing. So, one thing that sets me apart is that I’m willing to teach others even as I’m still building my brand.

Another thing is that I’m a woman that bbq’s and smokes meats and there aren’t very many of us out here. It’s one of the dirtier cooking jobs but I love it. I love fire and I guess taming fire to a certain degree to get the results I want without ruining meat. No automated pellet smokers for me, straight charcoal and cut wood is how I get my results. This leads me to one of my most proud accomplishments.

Recently, I applied for a fellowship through Kingsford Charcoal’s Preserving the Pit program, which is meant to preserve the accomplishments and legacy of African American pit masters. While I didn’t get the fellowship as I don’t have a traditional restaurant, I did receive a generous grant to continue my part in this great legacy.

Second biggest accomplishment is that I am THE smoked Turkey producer for Zaddys Atl in Politan Row.

This business/entrepreneur journey has by no means been easy and there were many many moments where I wanted to quit but I didn’t. As a creator, the business part is hard for me along with no one in my family is an entrepreneur so I had no framework to go on. I had/have to learn everything and it’s difficult because I’m not an accountant or a marketer or a website developer etc. but I had to be especially in the very beginning.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to not be afraid to ask for help and keep asking.

Pam’s Magic Cauldron is an African-American woman|wife|mom owned hospitality business that produces high-quality smoked foods and culinary instruction, lovingly crafted for all humans seeking to live well. I personally have a goal to teach as many people as I possibly can to be able to feed themselves and do it well because they deserve it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I had a good friend visiting here for a week a few things we would possibly do is to take a hike along the Chattahoochee river, take a visit to the botanical garden and Piedmont park, as well as the new Westside Park.

For food, one of my favorite restaurants for cocktails and seafood is Beetlecat. For lunch we would go to Zaddys Atl, my favorite sandwich shop. For tacos there a several great places but I would take them to Birria el Gordo which is near me. Those are just a couple because Atlanta is full of great food and people.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband/best friend, Marcus Henry, deserves a huge shout out has he has and continues to do whatever it takes for me to be successful at my business. Whether it’s financial support or labor, he’s always there for me and Pam’s Magic Cauldron.

Website: www.Pamsmagiccauldron.com

Instagram: Pamsmagiccauldron

Linkedin: Pamela Askerneese

Image Credits
Melissa Alexander