Conversations with Ariana Cheatham

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ariana Cheatham.

Hi Ariana, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself. 
I grew up in Milan, MI, a quaint rural town merely thirty minutes from Toledo, Ohio. During my formative years, the path to my future career was unclear; my mind buzzed with countless ideas, making it challenging to settle on just one. Initially, I pursued Social Work driven by a desire to aid children, later transitioning to Education, drawn by my deep affection for kids and a belief in guiding them, knowing they are the cornerstone of our future. Upon completing high school, I found myself at a standstill, prompting my departure from the assistant manager role at Little Caesars, driven by a strong belief in my untapped potential. Joining Savas in Ann Arbor opened doors for creative expression beyond my expectations. It became a place where I not only forged lifelong friendships but also blossomed as an adult and discovered my artistic side. At the tender age of 18, I rekindled my journey in the kitchen, setting the stage for personal growth and artistic exploration. Initially, I didn’t perceive cooking as a viable career path until I encountered an exceptional mentor who reshaped my perspective entirely. Under her guidance, I absorbed invaluable lessons, fostering my continual growth. Transitioning from Savas to one of their affiliated eateries provided crucial insights into the professional landscape of cooking and the immense potential it holds. At The Boro, I not only honed my culinary skills but also delved into various side ventures, dabbling in selling baked goods during spare moments, venturing into TikTok content creation – a recent endeavor, and crafting my inaugural newsletter. I’m excited to share that I’m nearing the finish line in designing “Pass Me A Plate,” my podcast featuring discussions with chefs in metro Detroit and culinary innovators across the food industry. Juggling my culinary endeavors alongside this dream project is a challenge I’m actively navigating. Yet, I’m steadfast in my belief that I can achieve anything and am committed to making this vision a reality.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’ve faced some significant challenges recently. Losing my mother a year ago and my grandfather two years prior was incredibly tough, especially at the age of 21. However, these losses became catalysts for finding my path. Everything I pursue today is a tribute to them. I cherish my grandmother, who’s still by my side, and I’m filled with gratitude for her presence every single day.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Working at The Dixboro Project is an enriching experience, allowing me to refine my culinary skills while laying the groundwork for my future aspirations. The prospect of building my own brand excites me immensely—it’s a canvas to explore innovative culinary avenues and carve out a unique space in the culinary world. With Pass Me A Plate, I’m delving deep into the diverse tapestry of food and beverages, striving to curate engaging content that celebrates the richness of this realm through my newsletter and future podcast. Each day fuels my drive to evolve, create, and share my passion with a broader audience, fostering a community united by a love for all things gastronomy.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Listening to podcasts like This Is Taste, The Future of Food Is You, and Radio Cherry Bombe is a daily source of inspiration for me. These shows fuel my desire to expand my knowledge and continuously evolve in the culinary world. The diverse insights, innovative ideas, and passionate discussions within these podcasts ignite a fire within me, propelling me to seek growth and learning opportunities each day. They serve as a constant reminder that the journey of discovery in the food industry is limitless, and I’m eager to absorb as much as I can from these incredible sources of wisdom and inspiration.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.arianacheatham.com
• Instagram: @passmeaplate
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariana-cheatham-8629b6298?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@passmeabowl?_t=8h5EV1hZv8V&_r=1