Today we’d like to introduce you to Ali Manning
Hi Ali, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am Ali Manning, a Food Scientist, Consultant, Author, Artist, and the CEO/Founder of Umami Food Consulting, LLC. I received my Food Science & Technology degree from Alabama A&M University in 2010. I began working in the food industry as a Food Chemist for one of the largest corn oil manufacturers in the world. After three years and many gruesome 12-hour shifts, I knew it was time for more. I was looking for a more stable, consistent role, and I found a familiar job as a Research and Development Scientist. I spent much of my time in the lab creating new products and matching existing ones for some of the top brands in the industry. I traveled to conferences, established my work ethic, and progressed in my role until I reached a glass ceiling inside a white box. In August 2019, I was propelled into entrepreneurship and inspired to create my consultancy, Umami Food Consulting. We aim to support food entrepreneurs with the breadth of knowledge and skills we’ve obtained over the years. We specialize in product development, shelf life testing, and nutritional analysis, but we also offer resources to operate sustainably with an emphasis on supporting local and minority-owned businesses,
My journey to entrepreneurship led me to create a (STEAM-focused ) program called Food Science 4 Kids, which teaches grade-school children food science education and nutrition. The classes allow learners to gain hands-on experience with common food and ingredients needed to survive. Since 2020, we’ve developed over 75 STEAM-related lessons and activities, reaching nearly 5,000 students nationwide. I am also the program consultant and relationship coordinator with Project Green Fork, a local restaurant sustainability program in Memphis, Tennessee, that aims to end food waste and support food access.
I was a competitor on Netflix’s Snack vs. Chef, a 2024 South by Southwest speaker, a local WREG news contributor, and a published author of an early-reader picture book entitled “Can I Play with My Food?” inspired by my sister Alexis, who has Down Syndrome.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of the most profound quotes states, “Where there is no struggle, there is no strength”- Oprah Winfrey. The most memorable obstacle was being fired in August 2019, only months before COVID-19 shook the world. Thoughts of inadequacy and insecurity popped up, and I wasn’t sure what to do next. I envisioned how I wanted my business to launch, but the landscape was radically different. After months of introspection, faith opened my eyes to my purpose, and the doors of opportunity flooded in. I spent many months hustling and reaching out to everyone within my network. I had to find a way or make one. Although the restaurant industry was rattled, I began gaining clients and building momentum within the world of food education. I utilized each challenge to pivot and alchemize the energy into something extraordinary. I uncovered my passion for teaching, which led me to write my first children’s book, create Food Science 4 Kids, and build a skating community called the Memphis Sk8ter Hotties.
Whether corporate, non-profit, contract or self-employed, our struggles are similar. We want to get paid to do what we love. We each strive to build systems, create leaders, scale, and become millionaires, but we lose sight of our own endeavors. I learned that it can be challenging to focus on one venture as you uncover your interests, but our gifts are inside us for
a reason. Identify your “Why” and push past the obstacles to uncover where purpose and passion align.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a multidisciplinary artist passionate about poetry, adult coloring, cultural dance, and music. As a budding independent artist, my style leans toward jazz, R&B, and rap, focusing on present-day issues. My debut EP is a conglomeration of my soulful voice, thoughtful lyricism, and passion for social justice. My background in the food industry gives me a unique flavor to season the ears (and souls) of all who listen.
I am a Scientist and a Singer.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help from someone who you admire. Even if you don’t know them, I suggest contacting professionals within your local network, on LinkedIn, or social media to broaden your community. Lastly, read articles and watch relevant Masterclasses that inspire you to become your most excellent version. Once you begin to move with focus and purpose, the right individuals will align to assist you along your quest.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.umamifcc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alimanning_/?hl=en
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-manning-767a2443/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Ali-Manning
- Other: https://www.ali-manning.com
