Scholar and renowned foodie Ariel D. Smith had a vision and made it a reality. Her popular and critically acclaimed podcast: The Food Truck Scholar podcast highlights food entrepreneurs of all types, with different backgrounds and ethnicities at full scale.
Smith noticed the under-representation of Black Food Truck owners and Black Chefs in general in the media industry. Her observation eventually became a passion and a resolve.
Where no others were highlighting these businesses in-depth, Ariel took it upon herself to be a change agent. The Food Truck Scholar podcast officially launched in 2019, hit the ground running, and has become a fan favorite. The podcast has listeners in over 58 countries and has been downloaded over 15,000 times. It’s partnered with Black-owned brands like EatOkra App and Pro Food Maker Podcast to bring content to larger audiences. It’s hosted three Food Network contestants and has been rated #1 Food Truck Podcast for two years in a row.
We caught up with Ariel D. Smith for an exclusive interview, where she shared more about The Food Truck Scholar Platform.
April: What made you decide to start your business?
Ariel: I was watching a lot of food television shows and realized that Black food truck owners were not highlighted as much (and Black chefs in general). When they were spotlighted on mainstream networks, it was very limited in scope. At first, I thought once I finished my degree, I could be discovered by a network and highlight them with a show, but I realized if I wanted someone else to create a space for me to do what I wanted, I would be waiting forever. I decided to build that platform myself.
April:Â What is one important thing you wish people knew about the food truck/Entrepreneur industry?Â
Ariel: When it comes to the food truck industry: It is just as hard as a restaurant. It is not an overnight success or get paid quick situation. Food truckers put in tons of blood, sweat, and tears. After interviewing over 50 across the country, that’s a consistent thing –it takes work!
Also, I believe it’s important to see all the different people and backgrounds that a food trucker can come from, especially for African Americans, representation matters. That’s why my podcast centers storytelling because I want you to know the owners AND try their food.
April: What are you most proud of accomplishing with your business/brand thus far?
Ariel: Being blessed to build a brand that others find useful. It warms my heart each time. A guest or listener says how much the show means to them.
April: What do you believe has been the key to your business success?Â
Ariel:Â Understanding that the core is about lifting up others, not just me.
The Food Truck Scholar Podcast can be streamed wherever you listen to your favorite podcast! You can visit The Food Truck Scholar YouTube Channel and Follow the platform on Instagram @thefoodtruckscholar
