We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ashleigh Worthington. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ashleigh below.
Hi Ashleigh , so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
There’s a quote by Anna Julia Cooper that deeply resonates with me: “When and where I enter, my race enters with me.” That truth follows me into every space I step into — whether it’s a room, a board meeting, a project team, or an entire department. More often than not, I’m the only African American person present. Some might view that as isolating or intimidating, but I see it as a responsibility and a source of motivation.
As a Black woman, I’ve learned that I often have to work five times harder just to get a seat at the table. That reality has shaped the way I show up. I walk into those rooms determined not just to take up space, but to own it — to make an impact that ensures the next person who looks like me isn’t questioned, doubted, or underestimated. I want my presence to challenge norms and create new expectations.
When I enter a space, I bring my community, my culture, and my commitment to excellence with me. My goal is to lead by example — not simply to succeed for myself, but to shift the narrative for those who come after me. I’m not here to follow. I’m here to thrive, to lead, and to leave the door open wider than I found it.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’ve always had a deep love for food — not just cooking or tasting it, but connecting with the people, culture, and stories behind it. While I work professionally in the culinary space helping bring ideas to life behind the scenes, my true passion lies in what I do outside of work.
I’m the creator behind The Peculiar Chef, a growing YouTube channel where I travel to uncover and spotlight hidden food gems — from mom-and-pop shops and hole-in-the-wall spots to small-town staples that deserve a bigger spotlight. I get excited about sharing the stories behind the food — the traditions, the hustle, the culture.
Right now, I’m focused on growing my platform and showing the world that great food isn’t limited to big cities or fancy restaurants. My goal is to highlight these places across the country — and soon, around the world.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
For me, three things have made the biggest difference in my journey: resilience, curiosity, and authenticity.
Resilience has been key. There have been moments where I was overlooked, underestimated, or flat-out told no — but I kept showing up. I’ve learned that setbacks aren’t the end of the story; they’re just plot twists. My advice? Don’t fold when it gets hard. Your breakthrough might be one more try away.
Curiosity is what keeps me growing. Whether I’m exploring a new dish, culture, or creative outlet, I’m always learning. I never want to get too comfortable. Stay open, ask questions, and stay hungry — literally and figuratively!
Authenticity is my superpower. I’ve realized that trying to shrink or blend in doesn’t serve me. Being unapologetically myself — especially in spaces where I’m the only one who looks like me — has opened more doors than pretending ever could. My advice: Don’t mute who you are to make others comfortable. You were made to take up space.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Absolutely! I’m always open to collaborating with fellow food creators, chefs, mom-and-pop restaurants, small businesses — anyone passionate about food, culture, and storytelling. Whether it’s a feature, content collaboration, or simply shining a light on a hidden gem, I’m here for it.
If you’re interested in working together, feel free to email me at thepeculiarchefatl@gmail.com or send me a DM on Instagram or TikTok — I’m @thepeculiarchef on all platforms. Let’s make something great together!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @thepeculiarchef
- Youtube: @thepeculiarchef
- Other: TikTok: @thepeculiarchef
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