Meet Kisha Lesane | Food Blogger & Chef in Training

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

Hi Kisha, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
The way I know whether to keep going or to give up is, by asking myself does this still bring me joy. Now I know joy does not pay the bills but on those long nights, early mornings, and extra hard days do you still get joy when you can work on your passion. There will be days everything around me is falling apart but when I get the chance to build, work or talk about A Pinch of Butter I get a feeling I can’t explain. See I have been at rock bottom before, I have been homeless, I lost those that were important to me and no matter how tired I get when I am allowed to be creative I do a little happy dance and when I am around food that little happy dance become a big happy dance (silly I know) and I remember that I can overcome anything. Again let’s be honest here there has been days when I was ready to throw in the towel because rent was due and the many hours I have spent marketing, writing, and doing research could be spent getting a second job. I remember that my goal is to help others create magic over food and my blog is bigger than me and it would be selfish to give up now.

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.
A Pinch of Butter is more than a blog who provides restaurant reviews, cooking lessons, coupon tips. A Pinch of Butter is a place that you can get comfortable and be yourself. No matter what you may be going thru my blog is the place to stop by and read until you are hungry, you laugh and sometimes you just may cry. I am always extremely vulnerable on my blog while showing you how to create magic in the kitchen or over a meal. During the time I was homeless I learned how to eat on a budget and I always share tips on my blog as well because who doesn’t like saving money.

Determination, passion, eagerness to succeed, willingness to learn something new everyday especially marketing and SEO and always remembering why I started in the first place which was introducing hungry guest to Mom and Pop restaurants that truly care about the food they create.. When I was trying to survive while living on the streets for a few months the one consistent thing was food and that allowed me to feel normal for just a moment and being able to use my platform to help others take the guest work out of finding a great meal.

It has not been a easy experience, I still work my 9-6 job so that means my day starts at 4:30 am everyday and ends at every night around 10 pm. Those are extremely long hours and on some days I start seeing double or I forget what I am doing. I promise to always make Sunday my self care day. I know that does not sound like professional advice but that is the most important thing I do that helps keep my creative juices flowing.

Since the pandemic has started it has been really hard to meet with restaurant owners to introduce to my followers but I am no quitter and I know without a shadow of doubt. I will be able to get into meetings to learn how to be the voice of restaurant owners.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Now this is my favorite part if my best friend was in the area. The first place place we are going is Nana’s Chicken and Waffle located in Conyers GA to grab a Cinnamon Roll Waffle Meal and Fried Green Tomato’s as an appetizer then for lunch we are heading to Hattie B Hot Chicken in Atlanta GA for a large dark leg quarter with potato salad, and pimento mac n cheese and a sweet tea. Now don’t get to full we need to head on the Beltline to Butter & Cream for some ice cream because it is so creamy and delicious. I also love everything at the Escobar Atl if you are still ready to party after all the great food we have eaten. Next day I know you are ready to see more things but of course I have a treat for you. We are heading to The World of Coca-Cola because if you are my best friend you know this is my favorite soft drink (pop). Now the Aquarium is on my To-Do List. but everyone goes here when they visit. Ok since you are still here I have an amazing place that excites me every time I visit. Atlantic Station is beautiful and there are so many restaurants to try, I am drooling while thinking about all the restaurants you can choose from The Pig and The Pearl, Envegan, Atlantic Grill, The Book Boutique is an amazing place to read, relax and enjoy every moment, and Bowlero is a great place to go bowling and enjoy great company just to name a few.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
This is a easy one, I would say my success is owed to my DAD (Andrew Robinson) and family. My dad helped spark my love for food and watching him light up when he handed you a plate (my favorite meal from my dad is Fried Chicken, Mac n Cheese, Baked Beans and some dessert. This made me want to be that person who reminded the world most problems could be solved over a great meal. When life got tough for me I always think about how he was not good at pep talks but he always gave great advice. and always stood by my side. See my dad was not big on saying I Love You but he showed me everyday even when I was being a typical teenager. After I made some bad decisions my Dad still stood by my side and motivated me to never give up. Now that I have started my food blog he always wants me to call and tell him about what I am doing and on those days I think about giving up he would listen to me vent and then he would remind me of what I said to him about why I was starting a food blog in the first place. Then he doesn’t even wait for me to say anything he just reminds me of my why and then says bye Kisha and hangs up (again he is not big on being emotional).

I will say there are so many more people who have helped me get to the place I am right now including my best friend who has also motivated me even when I am ready to give up, and my sister who talks to me just about everyday. I truly have a great support system but today I want to focus on my Dad because there has been times in my life when battling anxiety, impostor syndrome, depression and just life my dad still knew I am somebody and he never let me forget it.

Website: www.apinchofbutter.com

Instagram: www.Instagram.com/a_pinch_of_butter/

Twitter: www.Twitter.com/PinchButter/

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/PinchButter/

Other: http://voyageatl.com/interview/meet-kisha-lesane-pinch-butter-doraville/ https://bladenonline.com/a-pinch-of-butter-blog-started-by-bladen-county-native/ https://www.cityviewnc.com/cinnamon-toast-crunch-cereal-bars/