Today we’d like to introduce you to Adriel Sims-Rhodes.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Adriel. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Adriel aka CHEF A.D. “ALL DAY” that’s the nickname I earned early on for my intense passion for a challenge and my ability to go hard at any cost. Anything that allows me to use my hands and creative thinking will spark this queen’s interest! My life is a perfect recipe inspired by people who raised me. I’m about 1 cup of my Mom Dianne, an excellent cook, bold, that knows how to work any room. About 3/4 cups of Fred, my stepdad, a phenomenal cook, and the handiest man on earth. He could rebuild heaven and earth in seven days as long as he had a cold beer and a hammer, lol. A dash of Chris, my older brother. I say a dash but I totally wish I had more of his analytical & business smarts. There’s 1/2 cup of my grandpa George Parrish. He taught me the importance of consistency and having integrity.
Like most African American homes, our family is a cooking family period! Cooking “good” food is a regular pastime at all times in our home. We decided to share our love of cooking by opening up “Dat’s Good Que” in Lewisville, Texas, back in 2005. For over ten years, my family filled the hearts and bellies of thousands of families. We were known for our tasty soul food and live blues music. Musicians traveled from around the world to come to play at our restaurant. My folks put in many hours and community service before closing the doors a few years back. The memories and knowledge I obtained there was irreplaceable.
It was important for me to carry out our family tradition of culinary art but struggled with how I would make it my own. My love for health and fitness is a huge motivator in my life. What I eat fuels my mind and body to do the dope things that I do. I’ve experienced the wonders of food and respect its origin. In 2015 I started The Fitness High, LLC. I chose to combine my family’s classic soul food recipes with some of my favorite healthy alternatives. This creates an impeccable taste that’s easy on the body.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The food industry is a beast! The margins are small, the hours are long, and the work is hard. There were many trials and errors before I found my niche in the food industry. There have been many nights I’ve stayed up attempting to convince myself to continue this grueling road called entrepreneurship. Even as we continue to face the devastation of COVID19, I’ve seen remarkable chefs close their doors. But through it all, I still can’t find a better way to spend my time than creating DOPE art on a plate! Even though I have tweaked the recipes, I owe it to my family to carry out our soulful culinary legacy.
The Fitness High – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Fitness High is a company that represents me and so many different people. It is not to be confused with just healthy eating but a healthy lifestyle! In other words, “Do what you do, baby! and do it well!” The Fitness High provides everything from meal prep, recipes, fitness and health tips, to corporate team building events. We don’t want you to fit a mold; we want to encourage people to take small steps every day.
We realize that there is more to life than work. There has to be a balance of fun. We have that covered too! Powered by The Fitness High is Eats & Beats Events. Partnering with local Chef Kris Evans, we are able to collaborate in bringing some of the most unique and creative spreads to the DFW metroplex. It can be a black-tie event or a few friends having a casual backyard get together. Eats & Beats is going to deliver mouth-watering food and unforgettable vibes!
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is defined as the accomplishment of an aim or purpose. I see it as just that! I set my goals and press until I achieve them. Contrary to what social media portrays. Success is a personal thing. The failure comes in attempting to please everyone. Maya Angelou said it best, “Sucess is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” Success was created to measure growth. To mark personal wins and strides. That’s why I believe it’s important to set obtainable goals for yourself. Only you can determine how successful you want to be.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thefitnesshigh.com
- Phone: 2146228724
- Email: thefitnesshigh@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.fitness.high/
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