Meet Dannika Stevenson | Food Entrepreneur and Culinary Instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dannika Stevenson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dannika, how do you think about risk?
By definition, a risk is the chance or possibility of something that will cause harm to a person or an experience. A risk is an inherent part of our daily lives such as waking up in the morning, leaving home to go to school or work, or making important decisions. It’s a fundamental aspect of life, and by avoiding risks, one might miss out on personal and professional opportunities. Having taken many risks, some were successful and others not; for example, I left a prestigious college offering a full scholarship due to racial tension and enrolled in a college over a thousand miles away with a partial scholarship to finish my degree in communications. Upon graduation, I lived in several southern states for work and experienced marriage. Years later, I was divorced, and I lost everything and had to return home to Ohio. Despite lacking support or income, I successfully launched a food business. As a divorced, single woman, I pursued motherhood by fostering over 15 babies and young children. I decided to try love again and reentered the dating scene. I wanted to embrace new adventures, so I began traveling alone. I went to Puerto Rico in May and Paris in December and had the best time of my life. In essence, every risk begins with a decision, which leads to personal growth and increased wisdom. While personal and professional risks can be intimidating and uncertain, the desire to predict outcomes arises from a fear of failure or harm. It is crucial to take your shot like shooting a basketball! You will have missed shots and maybe airballs, but they are all part of taking risks. Eventually, you will make the shot! As W.C. Fields stated, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again!” If you are unwilling to attempt anything, then don’t claim yourself to be a risk-taker!

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
Did you realize that cooking is a form of artistry? Some may have differing opinions, but don’t we initially eat a meal with our eyes first? As a professional home chef, I consider all my dishes a form of art, where the ingredients, herbs, and spices serve as brushes and paint, and the skillets, pots, and pans act as the canvas. Cooking involves passion, precision, time, and, above all, love. When we utilize our cooking and creative skills, we create dishes that lucky charms might describe as “magically delicious.”

I have inexpressible joy from cooking, especially when someone tries one of my recipes or attempts a dish I’ve shared on social media. Recently, a lady from my cooking classes called to share her success with one of my quiche recipes, and her family loved it. I’ll always distinctly remember a moment at the grocery store when a young girl excitedly approached me, screaming, “Chef Danni, I love you!” Her mother explained that her daughter now enjoys eating vegetables, and they are both eating healthier. Stories like these inspire me to continue offering cooking classes for our community, addressing physical hunger and the desire for positive eating changes.

Unfortunately, there are times when I indulge in unhealthy habits, feeling like an imposter teaching about how to make a kale apple salad, and afterward, I head to a fast food restaurant. I considered quitting classes altogether, but someone advised me to be authentic and share my story. They assured me that my struggle could become my greatest success story. Embracing this advice, I’ve gained confidence, and as a result, my business grew and I even appeared cooking on local TV. Though my attempt at casting for MasterChef fell short several years ago, I’m determined to try again. In the meantime, I’ll continue to spread the love of cooking to communities everywhere.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my friend’s morning routine involves coffee and a decadent pastry, I recommend taking them to Porchlight Cafe, nestled in South Akron. This charming spot was formerly a place for worship services and where I used to teach my first kids cooking classes. The place has transformed into a beautiful coffee shop that brings tranquility, warmth, and community together. Its unique coffee and tea flavors and breakfast menu evoke the feeling of cooking breakfast at home.

For lunch, Lemongrass Grille Thai Restaurant and Bar in Monroe Falls is my go-to. Tucked next to the railroad tracks, it’s renowned for its signature Pad Thai. However, my preference is the chicken fried rice with pineapple, accompanied by a Chai Iced Tea—hands down!

If it’s a sit-down dinner, I’d choose enchiladas and margaritas at Tito’s Mexican Grill in Fairlawn or a quick bite, TJ’s Sushi in Summit Mall offers a smoked salmon roll and a brown sugar bubble tea. Given my diverse palate, I enjoy trying something different each day; I can’t eat the same thing twice.

Dessert is a must after every meal, right? Tiffany’s Bakery on the West Side is my go-to for a cookie or their signature “Michigan Pot Hole” chocolate ice cream. It’s hard to describe all its flavors, but it’s undoubtedly the best chocolate ice cream I’ve ever had.

For entertainment, we’d explore the Akron Civic, Nightlight, and Goodyear Theatre. If it’s a Friday, we’d head to Mustard Seed Cafe in Highland Square for live music. To cap off our entertainment journey, a visit to House330, the old Tangier’s Entertainment Venue, is a must to check out especially touring the LeBron James Museum!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

First and foremost, I’d like to dedicate this story to my Heavenly Father because, among countless others, He selected me to bring this incredible gift to fruition. I firmly believe that God wouldn’t have placed this ability in my dreams and heart if He didn’t intend for me to bring it to life. I view all the work I engage in as a form of ministry, driven by my passion and purpose to serve people, resulting in significant prosperity. Also, I want to thank these organizations that took a chance on me, trusted me, and believed in my capabilities for conducting cooking classes, catering, and other food-related activities. These organizations include SouthStreet Ministries, Let’s Grow Akron, Akron Public Libraries, WIC/Summit County Health Department, Summa Health, and the LeBron James Family Foundation. I am sincerely thankful and humbled by all the opportunities and experiences I’ve been afforded, and I don’t take any of them for granted.

Website: www.sipsavorsoul.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sipsavorsoul/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannika-stevenson-5650903a/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dannika.stevenson/

Image Credits
Professional photos by Ramahn Jemahl of Really Goody Studios