Advertise on podcast: Afros and Knives Podcast

In this episode of the Afros & Knives podcast, Tiffani Rozier interviews Queen Victoria Butler, the master blend and tastemaker, and the great-great-granddaughter of Nearest Green. Queen Bee shares her story of transitioning from her career at the Department of Justice to joining the Uncle Nearest team and how joy, confidence, and curiosity have been essential to her success. Victoria discusses her journey to becoming the first female African-American Master Blender, her brand's commitment to sustainable sourcing, and the importance of creating a welcoming and warm environment for customers. Key Points • Queen Bee was self-taught in whiskey blending and followed her curiosity to achieve excellence • Uncle Nearest is committed to sustainable sourcing • The distillery has opened the longest bar in the world • Fawn is proud that the team stayed together during difficult times

Jamila Norman is an urban farmer, environmental engineer, and founder of Patchwork City Farms from Atlanta. In this episode of Afros and Ives, Jamila shares her inspiring journey from New York to Atlanta, her passion for sustainability, and her journey to create a more equitable and just food system. Jamila reflects on her transition from engineering to farming, the challenges of advocating for her vision, and her story of transforming a blighted piece of property into a food-producing space. She also shares her experience of facing discrimination and land loss and the importance of securing food, clothing, and shelter for communities. Jamila also talks about manifesting her dream to own a farm property, the process of getting her show on the Magnolia Network, and the importance of passing down knowledge to younger generations. Her story is one of magic and resilience. Key Points • Jamila is passionate about creating a more equitable and just food system • Discrimination and land loss faced by black farmers • She got her show on the Magnolia Network through a production company • Jamila emphasizes the importance o.f passing down knowledge to younger generations

Nayana Ferguson and host Tiffani Rozier shine a spotlight on Nayana's journey as the co-owner of the Anteel Tequila They discuss her motivation to start the brand, the challenges she faced – including dealing with the Mexican government and the challenge of breaking into the predominantly male and white industry, and her passion for fostering an inclusive and respectful company culture. They also delve into broader topics like the pressure and expectations faced by black women, societal norms for work-life balance, and the role of respect in any workspace.

When she left the Steamboat, she found a job that changed everything. Starting as a sales assistant she learned about every aspect of the business. She wrote and edited recipes, was the occasional sous chef for Iron Chef-style competitions, and sold cooking classes and special events. The biggest lesson was how the right story will bring the right people and situations into your life. All of those jobs and skills have lead her to this moment, helping people craft the best dang cookbook with the best stories and recipes anyone can write.

Jinji is a Baltimore, Maryland native, and alumni of Indiana University. She spent her earliest professional years working in the Non-profit sector and Retail before working as a nutrition counselor in 2012. Shortly thereafter, Jinji studied the craft of chocolate making, opening Pure Chocolate by Jinji with her father; tapping into a decades old ancestral calling she continues to explore today through travel, writing and production. Jinji lives in Baltimore City with her husband, Paul, and son, Stokely Ashe. Bio Link n/a Anything you want to add? (promos, events, new products) Chocolate & Justice is a web series we do at our shop that's accessible from anywhere via zoom. We interview various people across our industry, and outside of what we do as well to understand how justice and liberation play in our everyday lives as Makers.

Porshae' was a peculiar child, who stayed up late to read in the dark after her bedtime, preferred being in her grandmother's New Jersey kitchen, and remembers the Food Network Premier (November 23, 1993). Her father confirmed that she came running through the house, saying a channel only showed food, which he did not believe. A few days later, he walked past her room and confirmed this was a real thing; that was the start. As a food scientist, she has six years of experience ranging from Quality Assurance Lab Technician to Operations Compliance to Food Scientist. She's worked for significant food companies you'd know, smaller ingredient brands, and even did a stint in Pharma and Consumer Healthcare. The pandemic changed everything, including her mindset. After years of ignoring clear signs from God and her ancestors (Áse), she's branding herself and stepping from behind the shadows at the behest of a handful of friends and family. Imposter syndrome is accurate, and it may be time to finally tell her story. She decided to launch Thee Soul Food Scientist blog in late 2021, an Instagram page under the same moniker, to start documenting her journey as a Black Food Scientist (with a few other surprise demographics included). She gives a modern look at what it looks like when you take Steely Dan mixed with Queen Latifah, a little Steve Urkel, Bill Nye, and Alton Brown bit of Audre Lorde. Yes, that should give you a glimpse of who she is. For the rest, tune in.

This episode is a chat with recent Food and Finance High School Alums and Co-Creative Directors of Pass the Spatula Magazine Volume 1--Chayil Hyland and Hasanah Sabree. Hasanah is a brilliant young chef that will be attending a post-secondary Culinary school in September. She is equally passionate about fashion as she is about cooking and loves to express herself through social media, preferably Instagram and YouTube. Chayil is an equally brilliant young leader, a lover of all things green tea, and passionate about food and hospitality.

Brittany Towers (@theblackfoodscientist) has her BS & MS degree in Food Science from The Ohio State University, Certified Culinary Science degree from the Research Chef Association and has been in the food industry for 8 years and has worked on over 30 food & beverage products you see on the store shelves today including brands like Gatorade, Tropicana & Propel. Her love for food and science propelled her to start her science-focused Instagram page @theblackfoodscientist where she teaches her followers science concepts that everyone can understand by relating them back to foods and beverages. She also pushes healthy (and sometimes indulgent) eating on her page by posting Meatless Monday recipes each week to get people out of their comfort zones with healthy vegetarian/vegan meals that will help save people money, improve overall health and help save the environment. With a passion for teaching, she is also involved in many non-profit organizations teaching students about food science and careers in STEM. An Ohio native now living in Chicago, Brittany lives in the city with her husband Brandon and dog Basil. When she is not teaching others she is trying out new recipes, ordering out delicious food Chicago has to offer, running outside with her family, and teaching Pure Barre in Chicago.

At age twelve, Yahshimabet competed for eight rounds in the Kid's Baking Championship on Food Network and landed the series's runner-up position, gaining media attention worldwide. People began to request her products on an international level, desperate to try Yahshi Bakes, "A Taste of Heaven." Yahshimabet began hosting monthly pop-ups at Piedmont Avenue in Oakland, where crowds gathered in lines out the door with reusable containers to experience her sweetness. Rich chocolate salted caramel cupcakes, lemongrass raspberry cake, and ginger spice cookies simply tantalize the taste buds. Yahshimabet's high standards coupled with her devotion to quality naturally led to Yahshi Bakes' growth. Yahshimabet is currently working part-time at As Kneaded Bakery, navigating online college classes, managing Yahshi Bakes full time. Her future plans include: Investing in a commercial kitchen space, curating a team of employees to fulfill orders on a larger scale, traveling the world, opening a cafe, and more greatness! Learn more about us by visiting yahshibakes.com.

Founder of bespoke event brand To Be Hosted and independent lifestyle magazine While Entertaining, Amber Mayfield. Amber is a consummate tastemaker and is shaping how Black folks celebrate and entertain now and in the future.

There is so much that can be learned from delving into your family history, but you’ll likely hit a wall at some point because of the colonizer's brutal attempt at the decimation of black culture, black language, black names, and black religion. Though, that is even more reason to dig as deep as you possibly can. Black ancestry, alcohol reviews, and pantry treats; this eclectic mix encompasses the specialties of our guest on today’s show, Brie Sherman. Our conversation covers some of the most pertinent topics of our time; capitalism, colonization, colorism, and coronavirus. And it will make you feel heartbroken, furious, and inspired all at once. Can you imagine what our country would look like if a black woman as president of the United States? We can, and we like what we imagine.

Joy Spence was the first female master blender in the entire spirits industry and today, 40 years later, she is still creating exceptional rum. Joy’s journey into the world of spirits began with a passion for chemistry in high school and a teacher who helped her to reach her full potential. Her intellect, combined with her endearing and tenacious personality, makes her an unstoppable force. According to Joy, the main element that sets Jamaican rum apart is that when you drink it you can feel the spirit of the country; and Joy herself oozes that spirit too. Not only is Joy a world-class blender, but she also dedicates a lot of her time to helping other young women discover their passions and follow their dreams. Joy has so much fascinating knowledge to share, and by the end of this episode, you’ll know if you have what it takes to be a master blender and the proper way to drink rum!