Today we’d like to introduce you to Asha Edwards.
Hi Asha, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in Xenia, Ohio, and raised in Richmond, Virginia after my family relocated from Columbus in 2013. Looking back, my path into the culinary world wasn’t as straightforward as most people might expect.
In high school, I enrolled in a technical center program where I had to choose two areas of study. My top interests were culinary arts and veterinary science. Ironically, I didn’t choose the culinary program at the time because the instructor had a reputation for being very tough, while the veterinary science teacher was incredibly warm, encouraging, and exactly the kind of support I needed during that season of my life. I completed the veterinary science program and loved it, but after graduating high school, I ultimately followed my lifelong passion and enrolled in culinary school.
Cooking has always been a part of who I am. My mother was what many would call a “Pinterest mom”—always creating, experimenting, and making everyday moments feel special. Some of my favorite memories are creating recipes with her and discovering how food could bring people together. That creativity naturally evolved into a passion for hospitality, presentation, and culinary artistry.
While attending culinary school, I became known for my attention to detail, organization, and commitment to excellence. Those qualities continue to shape my work today. Throughout my career, I’ve worked in catering, banquet production, pastry, private chef services, and hospitality operations, gaining experience across many areas of the industry. Each role taught me something valuable about service, leadership, and creating memorable experiences for clients.
Today, I am the founder of Amie Soirée, a luxury culinary and hospitality brand focused on elevated meal preparation, private dining experiences, styled food presentations, and curated culinary services. What started as a love for cooking has evolved into a business centered around helping people feel cared for through thoughtful food and hospitality.
At the same time, my interest in nutrition, agriculture, and animal science has never left me. I still have aspirations to further my education in dietetics and continue exploring the connection between food, wellness, agriculture, and hospitality. In many ways, all of the interests I had as a young person have come full circle and continue to influence the work I’m building today.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I wouldn’t say it has been a completely smooth road, but every challenge has helped shape who I am as both a chef and business owner.
Like many people in hospitality, I started by learning through long hours, demanding environments, and wearing many different hats. Throughout my career, I’ve worked in catering, banquet production, pastry, restaurant operations, private chef services, and event hospitality. Each role taught me something different, but it also showed me how much work happens behind the scenes to create an exceptional guest experience.
One of the biggest challenges has been transitioning from being a culinary professional to becoming an entrepreneur. Cooking is one skill; building a business is another. Learning marketing, pricing, systems, branding, client acquisition, and operations has required just as much dedication as mastering my craft in the kitchen.
There have also been moments where I questioned my direction. My interests have always extended beyond culinary arts into nutrition, agriculture, and veterinary science, so I’ve spent time exploring how all of those passions fit together. Over time, I’ve realized they aren’t separate interests at all—they all center around caring for people, understanding where food comes from, and creating experiences that improve quality of life.
Building Amie Soirée has required patience, faith, and a willingness to keep moving forward even when things weren’t perfectly clear. The challenges have taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of creating a business that reflects my values. Looking back, I wouldn’t change the journey because every obstacle helped me gain the experience and perspective I use today.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a chef, hospitality professional, and founder of Amie Soirée, a luxury culinary and hospitality brand focused on thoughtful food, elevated presentation, and personalized service. Through Amie Soirée, I offer meal preparation services, private dining experiences, styled food displays, culinary consulting, and hospitality support designed to help clients feel cared for through food.
My specialty is creating culinary experiences that are both beautiful and functional. Whether I’m preparing meals for a busy family, designing a styled grazing display, or curating a private dining experience, my goal is always the same: to make life feel a little easier, more nourishing, and more intentional. I have a strong background in catering, banquet production, pastry, menu development, and hospitality operations, which allows me to approach each project with both creativity and structure.
I am probably most known for my attention to detail, organization, and presentation. Even in culinary school, those were qualities that instructors and classmates recognized in my work. I believe food should not only taste exceptional but also feel thoughtful and visually inviting. Every menu, recipe, and client experience is approached with care.
What I am most proud of is building a business that reflects who I am. Amie Soirée is not just about providing food—it’s about creating moments of ease, connection, and hospitality in people’s everyday lives. Seeing clients trust me with their families, celebrations, and wellness goals is something I never take for granted.
What sets me apart is my ability to blend culinary skill with hospitality, organization, and genuine care. I don’t view food as a transaction; I view it as a way to serve people. I also draw inspiration from my interests in nutrition, agriculture, and wellness, which influence how I think about food beyond the plate. My approach is highly personal, detail-oriented, and rooted in the belief that great hospitality can transform the way people experience everyday life.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I always appreciate referrals. Small businesses grow through relationships, and every recommendation, introduction, and shared experience helps connect me with people who may benefit from my services.
I’m also excited to collaborate with event planners, photographers, content creators, wellness professionals, venues, local businesses, and brands looking to create thoughtful culinary experiences. Whether it’s a private event, styled food display, branded activation, workshop, or creative partnership, I enjoy working with people who value hospitality, creativity, and meaningful experiences.
For those interested in working directly with me, Amie Soirée offers luxury meal preparation, private dining experiences, Styled to Eat™ food displays, catering, and culinary consulting services. Supporting the business can be as simple as booking a service, following along on social media, sharing our work, or engaging with the content we create.
As I continue to grow the brand, I’m especially interested in opportunities that connect food, wellness, education, agriculture, and community. My goal is to build something that serves people well, and I’m always open to conversations with individuals and organizations who share that vision.
Pricing:
- Essential Box Meal Preparation — Starting at $165 per person * Includes one protein, one vegetable/fiber side, one smart carb, one breakfast support item, one wellness component, and one “little joy” item * Three servings of each selection
- Signature Table Meal Preparation — Starting at $415 * Includes three mains, two sides, and a signature sauce * Designed for households seeking a week of elevated, chef-prepared meals
- Styled to Eat™ Food Displays & Grazing Experiences — Starting at $350 * Pricing varies based on guest count, display design, and event scope
- Custom Catering Services — Available upon request * Personalized proposals provided based on event size, menu, and service needs
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Amiesoiree.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amiesoiree
