Meet Ali Lemma | Founder & Chef

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ali Lemma and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ali, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
When I was working my corporate job, I had a pretty stereotypical work-life balance; 5pm would hit, I would close my laptop for the day, go to the gym, then home to cook dinner and wind down. I wouldn’t really partake much in social activities during the week. But when 5pm on Fridays would come, I was a full on “weekend warrior” all the way through Sunday night.

Finding a work-life balance is quite different as an entrepreneur since you’re not bound to any set schedule. I honestly feel like I’m working around the clock, so it was quite challenging at first finding a balance. My typical week schedule is: shop for food & restaurant supplies on Mondays, food prep on Tuesdays, run the shop Wednesdays-Saturday, rest & recharge on Sundays. At best, if I’m not booked for an event or catering gig, Sundays are my only true off days.

I think about balance different as an entrepreneur. Before, work and “life” seemed separate. Now, I’ve found a way to integrate the two and I actually love it. Work is fun to me now that I’ve chosen a career path that aligns with interests and passion. I come work, do what I want (i.e. cook), wear what I want, play the music I want, set the vibe I want, and create an atmosphere of enjoyment. Since I truly feel like I am working around the clock, I make the work a happy environment so I don’t feel the need to separate myself from it to find a balance. That is how I see my work-life balance, for now.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Atlanta has changed a lot in the recent years, so many of my go-to places for visitors are R.I.P. For a true Atlanta experience, I’m definitely taking you out to the best wings in the city, JR Crickets (lemon pepper wet!) or The Local. For breakfast, Thumbs Up Diner (best fish & grits in the city). For lunch, Eats for some A1 comfort food. For a night out, all the good places are gone. So, unless there is a curated event with great music & DJ’s, we’re probably just bar hopping in East Atlanta Village or West Midtown.

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 mom, Rukia, and my sisters, Iman and Ahlam. When I quit my corporate job, moved back home to Atlanta from DC not knowing what my next move was, they gave me all the support, love and encouragement I needed. I have always been the type of person that had a plan and knew what my next move was. This was the first time in my life where I didn’t. I felt lost. Through those times, my mom and sisters where always there to support, encourage, and remind me that I was destined for something great. I wouldn’t be be here without them.

Website: rukiskitchen.com

Instagram: @rukiskitchenatl

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/rukis-kitchen-no-title

Image Credits
Ziad Ghorra – (@ziadghorra)