We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Akeila Francis a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Akeila, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
When it comes to the topic of confidence and self-esteem, the answer for me in quite simple. I have no choice in the matter, and that’s mainly because I don’t understand the lack of it. It’s all about self focus to me, I exist therefore I have value and a purpose in this life and any other. I’ve never been one to be too focused on what anyone else is doing or what they have unless I am directly affected by it. Most times we aren’t, and for whatever reason society has us hyper fixated on the what and the why’s of other people. I have never cared enough if that makes it even more simple. My abilities are mine and mine alone, if I am not confident in them, then who is supposed to be and why would they want to be even if I am doubtful.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a Chef and Curator of Stush Caribbean Fusion. We started off as a catering company specializing in foods infused with Caribbean flavors. We ventured into the food truck world for a while and now we are moving onto our next big thing. Opening our restaurant in a food hall in Midtown Houston this spring. The Conservatory at Midtown will be the newest addition to the food hall scene focusing on bringing the most eclectic and diverse food experiences in one place. We are happy to be able to be apart of the experience and to give our customers an amazing place to dine and be entertained.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
For me I can say that when it comes to your passions, you can’t be driven by money. The value is in the quality of dishes I put out and the smiling faces I see after I meal I have prepared. The other thing is to stay the course, when the money aspect of it doesn’t seem to be present, keep at it. It is very easy to be discouraged and feel like you are doing it for no reason but that shouldn’t be the case. You’re doing it because you love it. I am a huge believer in, as long as you are doing what you love all the forces in the universe will conspire for you to have it. And the most important lesson I’ve learned is to always be listening and always be watching. Our eyes and attention are two of the biggest gifts we have, you are never in a place for no reason. If you stay connected to the flow of conversations and the presence of people you will figure out why you are where you are and what you need to take from it.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
The biggest challenge I am facing currently is the drawback I get when I establish boundaries. In business you have people who can act overtly familiar and that behavior leads to lines being crossed. I’ve noticed once I address my boundaries their attitude towards me change. And by no means is this a me thing, but it can be difficult to navigate relationships whether personal or professional once you’ve drawn a line on what behaviors you will accept and ones you won’t. This is where I learned that people will take you as far as you’d let them. It’s a bummer to lose people and customers after establishing my boundaries but the benefit in greater. I believe I’ve attracted bigger and better because of this. Nothing is ever lost.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.STUSHFOOD.com
- Instagram: Stushgyal22
- Facebook: Stush Caribbean Fusion
Image Credits:
I certify that I Akeila Francis have the rights and permission to use the images in parts 7 and 8 of this article
