Meet Christian Williams

We were lucky to catch up with Christian Williams recently and have shared our conversation below.

Christian, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

Being a multi racial woman in a male dominated field, I stick out like a sore thumb. Even so, I find motivation in the fact of being the only person to look like myself. Although, this wasn’t always the case. At one point, my impostor syndrome weighed heavily on me causing doubt and self sabotaging opportunities because I felt undeserving. It was only until I was selected to collaborate with a non profit to create a plant based course for students, that this changed. With that, I took full ownership to teach the high school students the necessary skills to create healthy meals for themselves. During one of the demo cooking courses, I had a student peeking over my shoulder while I was cooking. At first, I was startled and wondered internally what she wanted or needed. This student expressed that she wanted to learn and interact with me because she has never seen a chef like me. This sentiment made me realize and resonated with me that my difference is actually my strength. In being myself unapologetically, and creating my own opportunities, I hope to inspire others to do the same.

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 passionate chef, artist, and Coachella Valley native. As the owner of Savege Food, I specialize in crafting delicious, health-conscious dishes from scratch, celebrating local ingredients. Coming from a multi disciplinary artistic background, which allows me to tap in and utilize my many skills and strengths. In doing so, I am able to curate memorable dining experiences that nourish the mind and body and offer a modern perspective on food preparation and plant based cuisine.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

I believe the most impactful qualities/skills along my journey would be perseverance, patience and positivity. I believe that the three are synonymous in that you can’t have one without the other. It takes great positivity to persevere in situations of adversity that are less-than-ideal. To persevere in your mind to the point of vacating the present emotion and situation to elevating into a point of a tranquil mental state. The constant reminder of optimism to maintain balance despite any outside interference. Doing so allows yourself to assess and handle any situation that may arise without negativity or frustrations and get straight to solutions. Though, I will admit it is not an easy feat to ignore human emotions that are organic to a moment, that takes practice and patience with yourself to modify once daily behaviors. With practice and patience I have allowed myself to exercise positivity to persevere in every situation and I have found that calm cooler heads do ultimately prevail and I am living proof.

Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?

As a multi disciplinary artist, I have found that having a vast arsenal of tools to utilize in life and business to be very beneficial. As opposed to solely relying on one of my strengths, when the situation at hand potentially required a different perspective or set of skills. For example, if your personal tool box only held a hammer, but for this one job you required a screwdriver. You would not be able to complete the job properly or at all. Consequently, this is why I have taken the time to hone all of my skills because they will be useful to me when the time arises.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: savegefood