Meet Arica Avery

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Arica Avery a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Arica, 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?
Success is all about relationships. I’ve learned to build connections and seek out allies who respect my vision. By being authentic and staying true to my purpose, I’ve gained the trust and respect of others in the industry. It’s not always easy being the only one, but it’s made me resilient. I’ve learned to adapt quickly, navigate challenges with confidence, and turn obstacles into opportunities to prove myself.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
The STL’s Pot Chef was my dream of curate some of the most unforgettable cannabis-infused experiences you’ll ever have. Think gourmet food that not only tastes amazing but also takes you on a whole new high level of flavor. What’s exciting about what I do? Everything! From experimenting with different infusions to creating unique events that leave people talking for months to collaborating with the cannabis industry leaders , it’s a vibe.

I want people to know that STL’s Pot Chef isn’t just about food—it’s about community, creativity, and pushing the boundaries of what cannabis-infused dining can be. Plus, we’re just getting started. It’s more than just food; it’s about community, creativity, and pushing boundaries.

This holiday season, we’re teaming up with Homegrown Family to collect 1,000 toys for kids in need. Bring a toy to the Danksgiving Competition or Munchie Market, and you’ll get a special prize from one of our friends! Danksgiving is the first Thanksgiving infused food competition and market, where you get to judge top chefs’ infused dishes. We will have everything infused from infused stuffed turkey to infused pecan pie. Get your tickets at stlpotchefs.com—big things are coming, so stay tuned!

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?

Looking back, three key qualities that were most impactful in my journey were resilience, creativity, and relationship-building.

Resilience helped me push through challenges and setbacks, especially as a woman in a male-dominated industry.
Creativity allowed me to continuously evolve, whether through experimenting with new infused products or crafting unforgettable experiences.
Building strong relationships has been invaluable in opening doors and growing my brands.

For anyone early in their journey, I’d say:

Develop resilience by embracing challenges and learning from them. “Opportunities don’t happen. You create them.”
Stay curious and keep pushing your creative boundaries.
Finally, focus on building genuine connections—it’s often who you know that can help you grow.

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 looking to collaborate with like-minded business owners. I’d love to partner with dispensaries, restaurants, smoke shops, and local chefs who are passionate about pushing the boundaries of cannabis-infused dining. Whether it’s for unique events, exclusive menus, or creative projects, I’m excited to team up and create something unforgettable.

We’re also looking for local businesses to serve as drop-off locations for our toy drive, helping us collect 1,000 toys for kids in need this holiday season.

If you’re interested in collaborating with STL’s Pot Chef or hosting a drop-off location, let’s connect! Reach out through stlpotchefs.com—I’m ready to cook up something special and give back with amazing new partners. Let’s make magic happen!

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Images courtesy of STL’s Pot Chef, Beam Photos & Production, & Fo Knows Digital

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