Erica Hay shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Erica, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What battle are you avoiding?
Today I asked myself what battles I’ve been avoiding. The truth is, I’ve been strong for so long that I forgot strength also means resting, asking for help, and setting boundaries.
I avoid slowing down, even when my body asks me to. I avoid leaning on others because I’m used to carrying everything alone. I sometimes say yes when I should protect my peace.
I’m learning to trust myself more, to release guilt from past seasons, and to choose myself without feeling the need to explain. Avoiding these battles hasn’t made me weak it’s shown me where healing is needed.
Today, I choose honesty over avoidance and grace over pressure. I’m still growing, and that is enough.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Erica Hay, and I am the owner of Erica’s Exquisite Eats, a Memphis-based culinary brand built on faith, flavor, and purpose. As a dietitian and chef, I merge nutrition with creativity to provide meal prep, healthy lifestyle resets, raw diet plans, private dining, pop-ups, and full-service catering.
At Erica’s Exquisite Eats, we don’t just serve food. we create nourishing experiences. Every menu is designed with both taste and wellness in mind, using quality ingredients to support healthier choices without sacrificing flavor. Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a large-scale event, our goal is to feed both the body and the soul.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I believed I had to be small to be loved, but now I know I am worthy, capable, and becoming everything I once needed.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I stopped hiding my pain when I realized silence was costing me more than honesty ever could. When pretending I was okay became heavier than telling the truth. When I understood that surviving wasn’t the same as living.
I started using my power the moment I chose myself when I stopped shrinking, stopped apologizing for my growth, and allowed my healing to be seen. My pain didn’t disappear, but it stopped leading my life. It became purpose, not a prison.
I stopped hiding when I learned my story wasn’t something to cover up. it was something to stand on. And I started using my power when I understood that everything I went through didn’t break me… it built me.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
You show up for the people you love. Family dinners, gatherings, celebrations, checking on folks connection matters to me more than appearances.
I don’t just want success you want it to mean something. I care about walking in purpose, trusting God, and growing through every season, even the hard ones.
Creating experiences, not just moments
Whether it’s a meal, an event, or a simple gathering, you want people to feel something love, comfort, joy, community.
I care deeply about evolving personally and professionally without losing who I am.Doing things the right way matters to me
I value feeling good, inside and out. Not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too.
My friends would say I want to be known as someone who loved hard, gave generously, and made space for others.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m walking in my purpose, grounded in faith, surrounded by love, and serving others with my whole heart.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: e.exquisite _eats
- Facebook: Erica’s Exquisite Eats
Image Credits
William Fuller
