Beyond the Butter Knife: Cultural Roots, Grief, and Building a Business with Purpose with Chef Chris Martin

How much of who we are, where we come from, and what we've experienced finds its way into the food we create?

In this episode of 86 the Stigma, Colleen Silk sits down with Chef Christina “Chris” Martin, baker, entrepreneur, and founder of Florosa in Charlottesville, Virginia, to explore the connection between food, cultural identity, mental health, and building a hospitality business that reflects your values.

From growing up watching Food Network and cooking with family to attending Johnson & Wales and working in fine dining pastry kitchens, Chris shares how her love for baking became a career shaped by creativity, culture, and personal experiences.

But finding her place in hospitality wasn't always easy.

Chris opens up about demanding restaurant culture in Chicago, the impact of burnout and alcohol on her mental health, and why stepping away helped her reconnect with what she loved about the industry.

Together, Colleen and Chris explore how grief, family, and cultural heritage shape our careers. Chris shares how reconnecting with her Nicaraguan roots and navigating the loss of a close friend influenced the creation of Florosa, a bakery and flower farm rooted in local ingredients, community, and thoughtful business practices.

They also discuss the responsibility of hospitality leaders to create healthier workplaces, offer fair wages, reduce waste, and support the people and communities behind their businesses.

At its heart, this conversation is about understanding that food is more than what we put on a plate. It's a reflection of our experiences, our cultures, and the people who have shaped us along the way.

And sometimes finding your place in hospitality means creating something that feels a little more like home.

ABOUT 86 THE STIGMA

86 the Stigma is a CHOW podcast powered by Hospitality Bites Media, hosted by Colleen Silk. This season brings together voices from across food, beverage, and hospitality for honest conversations about mental health, burnout, recovery, leadership, workplace culture, and the human experiences behind the industry.

This season is made possible with support from Hoshizaki America and US Foods® — We Help You Make It®.

CHOW (Culinary Hospitality Outreach and Wellness) provides peer support, community, and mental health resources for people working in hospitality.

Visit https://www.chowco.org/ to learn more and access resources.

Hosted by: Colleen Silk
Produced by: Hospitality Bites Media

Disclaimer: The views and experiences shared by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of CHOW, Hospitality Bites Media, our sponsors, or affiliated organizations. Conversations are intended for education and awareness and should not replace professional medical or mental health advice.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis in the U.S., call or text 988 for immediate support.