86 The Narrative and Let Us be Great
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By Sicily Sierra
Sometimes the idea of cooking, when it comes to women - especially mothers - is wild to me. Because, at its core we do domestic work, though glamorized at times it’s still domestic work at its core. And, historically it's been suggested that it is what we were “bred to do '' especially as Black Women absolutely. The “Mammy” stigma is one that as Black women we actively push back against. Coupled with the female trope “goals” of the Suzy homemaker. We need to be able to cook, clean, have dinner ready by a certain time, and raise the kids all while juggling schedules, drop offs, and play dates. But, in the kitchen I can’t prep, cook, train a staff, run a service, and break it all down … because I got kids?
I say a big F U to that. 86 the whole ass narrative.
So, I built my life with my womanhood, blackness, and motherhood very present so I can have my cake and eat it too. And, share it with my kids. After all.. I got babies to raise. Making my career in the restaurant industry about being the platform for other women to stand on. I do believe that cooking and life parallel, often requiring a good step up, a clear mind to think through things (quickly), patience for the long game, mastering your time speed and accuracy, and hella patience. Holding space for all the Mamas out there to have the career that they decide. It is my greatest joy to see folks in my space thrive doing what they do best. I have the privilege of doing it all with my two daughters by my side. Cooking in the kitchen, running restaurants, teaching and going live with both of them every Sunday for social media’s eating and viewing pleasure. I get to teach them life and entrepreneurship over a delicious meal.
That’s what I pour into my teams and my kids to find what you love, go after it and leave the door open for those coming after you. And, 86 the crap and the narratives that don’t bring you joy.
So here’s to all the mams mastering their kitchen at home and crushing the kitchen at work too. I see you, I love you, and I couldn’t be more proud and honored to be holding space with you. Because you, baby boo, are the bomb.
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Chef Sicily Sierra is a chef, restaurateur, culinary instructor / teacher, and serial entrepreneur.
When Sicily Sierra says serial entrepreneur she means it, she began her first career (acting) at the age of 7. She became known for her successful roles as Chantel in “How Stella Got Her Groove Back”, "Young Aisha" on the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers and on the primetime family comedy, "One On One" as Spirit. But for Sicily, the Hollywood afterparties and award shows were less about networking and more about watching chefs prepare food for party-goers. “I would just wish I could cook for those people,” she remembers.“I have always been fascinated by how food and people intersect. And, how meals turn into a tradition." So, this Le Cordon Bleu grad set out to make her own traditions while honoring the 7 generations of traditions that raised her. She has intentionally built her culinary brand, opening restaurants in California and New York. And, opening a CPG company in a pandemic while centering her blackness, femininity, motherhood, and queerness in the work that she does.
Opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Best Served. To achieve our mission of bringing more voices to the table, we are committed to sharing a variety of viewpoints across the industry.
