Today we’d like to introduce you to Ali Manning.
Hi Ali, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I received my degree in Food Science & Technology from Alabama A&M University in my hometown of Huntsville, AL. After graduation, I moved to Memphis, TN, and began working in the food industry as a food chemist. Ultimately, I became a food scientist, and for nearly a decade, I worked on products for national brands such as McDonald’s, Dunking Donuts, and Chipotle. I fell in love with the city of Memphis and the people. When I met my husband, I decided that this was the place to establish roots within the food industry and the community.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
After being “set free” (read: fired) from my job in August of 2019, in 2020, I created Umami Food Consulting to support food entrepreneurs. I recognized and wanted to fill this need for support in the food space, especially for BIPOC and minority-owned businesses. I assist clients with product development, nutritional analysis, regulatory standards, food cost evaluations, and more. Many of my clients are local and throughout the US, such as Slim & Husky’s, Good Citizen Coffee, City Tasting Box, Thistle and Bee, Zio Matto Gelato, etc. I am excited about the work I’m doing with all of my clients, but more so the work we are doing at Project Green Fork, a program of Clean Memphis. Our work provides resources to businesses in the local hospitality industry that are interested in implementing more sustainable practices (i.e., composting, recycling, and food waste reduction). There is national concern regarding food waste, food insecurity, education, and access, and so the work we do is imperative.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Umami Food Consulting is my full-time job. My company spans across all of my interests in education, consulting, and community development. As the program consultant for Project Green Fork, I support the hospitality industry’s food sustainability efforts. Food Science 4 Kids (FS4Kids) provides children with food education and helps them understand food science as a career path. FS4Kids was birthed during the height of the pandemic (April 2020) to fill a gap in virtual activities for children. During that time, I taught food science education and activities to over 100-grade school children across the nation. Over the last two years, the program has grown tremendously due to our local and national partnerships. It has reached over 3000 students since its inception, with partnerships with Girls Scouts, Botanic Gardens, Freedom Prep, Knowledge Quest, the Delta School, and STAR Academy, to name a few.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I was timid growing up but loved the arts. I was heavily involved in music, poetry, and sports and had very supportive parents. It took me a while to gain the confidence to use my voice, speak my truth and embody who I wanted to become. Many of us have childhood dreams, of doing great things, but sometimes life gets in the way. In my quest for joy I’ve discovered more about myself and who I want to become. Striving daily to embody the joy I’ve found within. Seizing each day with the desire to inspire, encourage and live each day fully in purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ali-manning.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alimanning_carpediem/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ali.gladness
Image Credits
Be Manning @photos.bybe on IG
