Today we’d like to introduce you to Sydney Wallace.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Sydney. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Well, I moved here about eight years ago from Memphis, TN. I didn’t have a clue where I was going or how I was going to get there, but I knew Atlanta was where I was supposed to be. After five months of filling out endless applications, I finally got an opportunity to be a dishwasher for a restaurant. I had never worked at a restaurant in my life before that day. I had no idea how this industry worked, but through hard work, dedication, and determination, I fell in love with the craft.
Has it been a smooth road?
My uncle once told me, “If it was easy, everyone would be doing it”. With that being said, it was everything but cooking was a hustle for me. The more I learned, the more I wanted to know. I was a sponge working with a lot of great minds trying to make up for my own lost time in the culinary world. I was hungry; therefore, I had to go the extra mile. I didn’t have a car for a while, plus I lived all the way on the outskirts of the city so in order for me to get to work everyday, I had to ride the bus for 2 hours just to get to the train station. From there, I transferred two trains and walked the rest of the way, maybe a couple of miles. Being a black woman in the kitchen can also make you a target. People tend to underestimate and overlook you, but I never let that stop me. My resilience speaks for itself.
We’d love to hear more about Art.Eat.Street.
The name of my company is Art.Eat.Street. I basically broke down what the word artistry meant to me. We provide food services upon requests as well as offer cooking lessons. I’m most proud to start shooting my cooking show with top film producer Sharae Le. It will be titled “Cooking with Syd.” What sets us apart is that I’m an open book. I remember how much I wanted to learn when I was coming up and now maybe I can pay it forward and be a catalyst through someone else’s dream.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I believe Atlanta is a great city for business. It’s the perfect melting pot. You can pretty much create your own lane and people will gravitate and support because it’s unique, and that’s what I love. I would definitely recommend business here.
Image Credit:
Sharae Le Films
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