Meet alicia edwards | Personal Chef

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

Hi alicia, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
If I can be completely transparent, I was tired of being unhappy. I was numb to working jobs that under valued me and my time. I sat and really thought about the amount of time I have spent at these jobs only to have, just enough! The wages being paid out, compared to the amount of work required, times that by the cost of living and you have modern day slavery. I thought about how I was paying for an apartment I was barely in and working just to pay to go to work. It felt like a never ending cycle and I became depressed and anxiety was always at an all time high. I literally was always nervous about even getting sick because missing days of work meant possibly getting fired if you didn’t have the “PTO” to cover it. I was tired of it all and was ready to chose my happiness. I figured if I poured the same amount of time and energy into myself as I had done for my previous employers, possibilities would be endless. Cooking has always been something I’ve loved, especially since I’m such a picky eater. I always host intimate events/dinners at my place and cook for all of my friends. I’ve catered events, been a vendor, had tastings and even sous cheffed Stella Rosa’s 50th anniversary party. The response is always the same, they all love my cooking. I figured, what could be better than not only doing something you’re great at and love, but getting paid to do it! I feel at home in the kitchen and enjoy creating delicious art. Cooking is like therapy for me and my love made visible, well edible lol.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Currently, I work from home signing up and providing low income families on government assistance with free smart phones and tablets. Times are hard and a lot of these families are getting by taking care of their bills, so we provide these free devices to help them stay connected without the worry of an extra bill. If I am being completely transparent, my job right now is a stream of income while I continue to build my business and clientele. I always say, ” Do what you have to do, to do what you want to do without losing sight of the bigger picture. The goal is full entrepreneurship and the road to it has not been the easiest, but if I had to bet everything on someone, I’d bet on me every time. If life has taught me anything, it’s how to smile and stand tall in the face of adversity. When challenges come I just tell myself, ” No matter how complicated the puzzle, every piece has a place.” My brand (Cooking with Dope) is a personal chef business that I eventually want to expand and facilitate cooking classes with foster/underprivileged children/teens. Dope stands for ( Dream Only w/ Purpose of Execution). My classes will not only consist of cooking, but life skills, life lessons, self love/fulfillment, removing glass ceilings & learning to pour into oneself. I want my story to inspire and encourage others to smile in the face of adversity, pursue/execute every goal & know that defeat is not inevitable, it’s optional.

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.
I would take her to Ponce City Market because there’s so much to do there and you can pretty much chose your vibe. She’s vegan, so Bar vegan would definitely be the spot to eat and the vintage shops are absolutely amazing. We both like to skate, so we would have a skate on the beltline and westside park for sure. I would take her to do yoga in Woodruff park and to either Piedmont or Old Fourth Ward park for a picnic and self grounding. I’m a chef, so she doesn’t really like to do much eating out because she prefers my food. I would definitely take her to an Erica Mason event if there was one and to Fem Friday’s with Kia Comedy. We love to explore and nature, so a hike would be in the cards. We are also both creatives, so we always set aside days where we just create and nurture our craft. We hold each other accountable for getting it done. There would be more I’m sure, but we aren’t the kind of people that have to be moving every day. Sometimes just relaxing and enjoying one another company is more than enough.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Thank you for asking this question, because I completely agree. I always love to say, “Raising kids isn’t the only thing that takes a village.” Having the support from those close to us and finding inspiration from those afar can motivate one to not only get started, but also follow through even when it’s complex. It took me a while to get a solid friend group, but the friends I have now support me to the end of the earth. Besides them munching down and telling how good my food is, they have encouraged me every step of the way. They push me towards my goals and wouldn’t allow me to quit even if I wanted to. I found inspiration in Eric Thomas, better known as ET The Hip-Hop Preacher. I listen to his motivational videos every morning after I meditate. He always talks about having beast mode energy! He talks about the power of mindset and how changing the way you see things can change everything. They say music is a language all in itself and tbh I never thought I would be inspired the way I am when I listen to Erica Mason’s music. Growing up in foster care, constantly being told who I was and was never going to be, prompted a lack of self worth leading to self-harm and suicidal ideations. Although I had the desire to do and be more, I wasn’t confident I could. Erica against all odds and a failed suicide attempt became and is still becoming everything in life she was destined to be. She creates music that is not only healing for the soul, but motivates you and silents every voice that said you couldn’t. She continues to inspire me everyday through her music, story & journey. ” I know they try to say you can’t, but do it anyway!” -Erica Mason Music
Thank you so much to everyone that has inspired, motivated and still supporting my journey. Rather directly or indirectly, an impact has been made and I am grateful that our energies connected in one way or the other.

Instagram: @_Dopeenergy (personal page) @Ohsoyoucookcook ( food page)

Yelp: Cooking With Dope

Other: booking.chefdope@yahoo.com