Interview with Alli Manning

Transcript

Marsh Naidoo (00:10):

Welcome to the Raising Kellan podcast. My name is Marsh Naidoo and I blog at www.raisingkellan.org where we curate resources for parents raising children with developmental delay and or disabilities. As always, remember, the information provided on this podcast is purely educational, and if you are seeking advice for your specific situation, be sure to contact a trained professional. On today's podcast, I am also joined by Makendra Ezell who will be interning with us this summer. This is episode #68. Can you believe it's 68? We will be chatting with Ali Manning, a local Memphian who is a food scientist, as well as children's book author. So grab your cup of coffee, put your legs up, and join us for some awesome conversation.

Marsh Naidoo (01:24):

Ali, my name is Marsh. this is a podcast Raising Kellan and basically, the whole premise behind it is to empower and educate parents raising children with disabilities. And I would also like to introduce you to Makendra Ezell. Makendra Ezell is summer interning with us this year. Makendra you go ahead with your introduction.

Makendra Ezell (01:51):

Okay. So first off, I just wanted to say thank you for giving me the opportunity to experience what it's like to make and be on a podcast. My name is Makendra Ezell and I am 17 years old. I'm from Dyersburg Tennessee, and I will be a senior in the coming school year. I am really interested in making a podcast during my college years that will be Christian based, which is why this experience is so important to me. So once again, thank you.

Marsh Naidoo (02:19):

Listen, I have a lot of faith in this young lady and I know she is going to be doing great things. We are really interested in knowing more about you, Alli, and the work that you do. We wanna know about your book about being a food scientist, so please go ahead and tell us something about yourself.

Makendra Ezell (02:42):

Yeah, so I am Ali Manning. I currently live in Memphis, Tennessee, but I'm originally from Huntsville, Alabama. I graduated from Alabama A&M University in Huntsville, which is an HBCU. And I received my degree in food science and technology. Before I knew it, I was accepting a job offer right here in Memphis, Tennessee. And I moved here 12 years ago, <laugh> 12 years ago. Memphis has a way of holding you tight

Marsh Naidoo (03:14):

I tell you what.

Makendra Ezell (03:15):

And so I worked in the industry as a chemist and a food scientist and branched out into consulting and have really been enjoying the work that I've been doing here in the city.

Marsh Naidoo (03:30):

What inspired you to get your book written? I mean, "Can I play with my food?" First of all, it's an eye or ear-catching title. What was the motivation behind the book, Alli?

Makendra Ezell (03:44):

Yeah, absolutely, absolutely. So throughout my career, I have really gotten into more of my technical side. <laugh>. The book really helped me tap into my creativity. I've always loved to balance and juggle creativity in my analytical mind, especially being a scientist. And so with the book, I began drawing, I got back to doing all the things that I love to do back in 2020 when the world shut down. I said, No, I need to figure out something. I need to remember, really remember the things that I love to do as a kid. And so I began drawing again and the book began to form. The story started to come, and I would tell people I play with food for a living as layman's turn for what a food scientist does. And it just stuck and it made sense to title entitled a book, "Can I play with my Food"? And yes, I say Yes because that's a part of learning. It's a part of exploration. And so as a food educator, so I created food science for kids during the pandemic as well. So it was a really incredible time for me to tap into my creativity and apply it to my career.

Marsh Naidoo (05:04):

Now, I don't wanna get too much into the actual story itself because guys, I highly recommend it. Actually, this interview with Alli is part of our sizzling summer series. So what we've done add is that we compiling books movies anything that actually indicates or shows that representation matters and it is so important for our kids to have this experience across the board. Now, the book as well has somewhat of a, correct me if I'm wrong, but does it have a more personal note to you as far as the characters are concern?

Makendra Ezell (05:51):

Absolutely, absolutely. So like I mentioned, I was getting back to drawing and the ideas started to form. And so the story is loosely based on my sister Alexis, who has Down Syndrome. And so in the story, the Two Sisters, Nema and Lexi explore food and explore science and have big dreams at the end. And so yes, the co-character Lexi is loosely based on my sister Alexis. And so yeah, it's absolutely personal because not only because of the food education aspect, but because of understanding that not all children with special needs are able to achieve all of their dreams. My sister is not high-functioning special needs. So I know that it is just an honor to do this with her and for her honor.

Marsh Naidoo (06:44):

Well, listen, we thank you and I know Makendra is ready to go with her question, so I'm gonna hand it over. Makendra go.

Makendra Ezell (06:54):

Okay. So the first question I have for you is what has driven you to become the successful woman you are today?

Makendra Ezell (07:02):

Oh, wow. That's a great question. <laugh> a great question. Even in the book, I reference making mistakes and sometimes the greatest lessons come from making mistakes. And honestly, that's driven me, my passion for food and science, my passion for community, and also understanding that making mistakes helps me to learn <laugh> what's driven me to be successful. And my parents have always been so successful, so supportive of my work and my interest. And so it's been a very nurturing environment for me to pursue all of my passions.

Makendra Ezell (07:48):

So can I follow up with another question real quick? Yeah. Okay. So what advice do you have to give to any young people who wanna become successful?

Makendra Ezell (07:57):

Absolutely. Well, I would suggest first, determining what success means to you. Does success mean financial success? Does it mean family? Does it mean freedom and flexibility in your work as an entrepreneur? What does success mean to you? And define that. And then also, I would suggest to any young person, figure out what you're good at. Go with what you're inclined to do inside so that you can begin to work towards that passion and that work that ultimately brings you the meaning to your life and helps you go along your life's path.

Makendra Ezell (08:39):

Okay, thank you.

Makendra Ezell (08:40):

You're welcome.

Marsh Naidoo (08:42):

Ali, what do you enjoy doing? We talked about your work as a food scientist, which I would like to circle back to. We talked about you writing, but are there any hobbies that you are interested in?

Makendra Ezell (09:00):

Absolutely. So <laugh> 2020 was really that pivotal year for me and for all of us it was incredibly tragic, but also amazing in so many ways. So I keep referencing joy. And so in that finding my joy skating was one of the things that I loved to do as a child too. So I ended up getting back to roller skating and rollerblading. I was actually an ice skater when I was little, so rollerblading was kind of the natural next progression. But we got into roller skating and lo and behold, next thing I know the Memphis Skater Hotties group was formed

Marsh Naidoo (09:43):

<laugh>.

Makendra Ezell (09:44):

So during the pandemic, I video recorded myself skating and people would see it and say, Oh my gosh, I love skating. I've got skate in the garage that has dust on them, like the whole nine. I'm afraid of skating, but I wanna come. And so I said, Come on out, come on out. So it was a community, and it still is. We exist still to this day, but it's a community of women that meet up on Sunday mornings and skate. It's just fun. It's friendship, it's camaraderie. It was an opportunity then during the pandemic to just have a mental release and escape from life. And so now every season between, what is it? March and October, we meet Sunday morning at Beale Street Landing downtown, and it's a joy to see us out there. You should see it. People are driving by taking pictures and all. So yeah, skating, any type of art and style are my hobbies. And of course, food, food, food, food. I'm a foodie at heart.

Marsh Naidoo (10:47):

Give the girls a shout Alli

Makendra Ezell (10:54):

To my crew I will see yall soon

Marsh Naidoo (10:56):

All right. So food scientist, because this is, I'm a physical therapist by chaining, so I, I'm a movement specialist. If so, how would you break down being a food scientist? What are some of the things tha-t's involved with that title?

Makendra Ezell (11:14):

Yeah, absolutely. So as food scientists, we apply all of the scientific disciplines to food. So if you're interested in chemistry and math or agriculture, even design, there's an opportunity for food science food scientists, especially if you're a young person that's got a little bit of creativity, because in food science, especially in the food industry, we do a lot of research. We do a lot of innovation around new food technologies, new food products, how to match products or rework existing products. And so it's a really interesting field to go in because we've got such a range of products and we've got issues within our food system. So people that are solutions minded and innovative minded, it's a great profession for those.

Marsh Naidoo (12:11):

So I would our kids up here in Dyersburg that we are a more rural-based community, but someone listening each day that might be interested in pursuing food science, how can they get to know more about it? Ali

Makendra Ezell (12:27):

<affirmative>? Yeah. So if you're interested in food science and technology, the first thing to do is Google your local university or it really would probably be at a university. The program exists all over the nation, but it's such a niche program that many people don't always know about it. So get on Google what a food scientist does, Maybe look at some YouTube videos of what a food scientist does, and then go to your local university and see if they have the program and talk to someone. I think finding a mentor that has the same interest as you have is important. And so yeah, that would be the path. And of course, if you're great at math, chem you know, wanna definitely do well in those academics.

Marsh Naidoo (13:19):

Makendra are there any questions you would like to ask?

Makendra Ezell (13:23):

I do wanna become a motivational speaker. And what advice would you give for me to make that happen?

Makendra Ezell (13:31):

To be a motivational speaker?

Makendra Ezell (13:32):

Yes ma'am!

Makendra Ezell (13:34):

Yeah, so are you familiar with Toastmasters?

Makendra Ezell (13:38):

Yes,

Makendra Ezell (13:39):

Sir. Okay. So if you're interested in speaking, I would get in front of as many people as you can and practice especially Toastmasters, because they specialize in that. They give you particular prompts that help you grow your speaking muscle, so to speak. And so if you're also interested in motivational speaking, think about what you wanna say and ask people what they wanna hear. If you've got a classmate that is struggling with how to come out of her, shell, find something positive and affirming for her, and then speak that into existence, if you know what I'm saying. You

Makendra Ezell (14:25):

Know what I mean?

Makendra Ezell (14:27):

<affirmative>? Yeah. Give that a try.

Makendra Ezell (14:29):

Thank you.

Marsh Naidoo (14:31):

You gotta believe it before you speak it, I think. Yes. You just, Yes. It's gotta come from here. And with that being said, Alli is there, and before we close is there any message that you would like to put out there for the listeners?

Makendra Ezell (14:51):

Yeah, absolutely. When I sign my book, I say continue to find joy in childlike things that helped me remember the things that I love to do as a child. Because many times when you're working in corporate and you're going after your goals and you're going after societal pressures that are placed upon you, forget what you like to do, <laugh>. I always encourage people to remember what you like to do remember what brings you joy, and then begin to do that. And as you do it, opportunities will open up, people will come along, books will be created. I never even thought I'd be an author. And to have accomplished that is such a beautiful thing, and to have to support and to honor my sister in this way is beautiful. So another thing I would say is do things with great intention. It's all, it's important to, number one, like you said, Marsh, believe and then speak it into existence. I'm a huge believer in manifestation and how it's things can come to fruition just because of your mind. So I think that that's an important thing to remember as well.

Marsh Naidoo (16:06):

Well, Ali, we're grateful for this opportunity to be speaking to you. We believe in you, believe in the work that you're doing. And guys, Ali book "Can I play with my food"? We have a copy that Makendra and I gonna work on doing a giveaway, Ali, so we gonna give that in the works. We also gonna work on getting this podcast produced, so I'm looking forward to working with Makendra on getting this published as well, which will hopefully be done within the next week, week and a half is you've given us an amazing message to end off with, but for those folks that might wanna know more about your work or can you perhaps give us some way to contact you?

Makendra Ezell (17:02):

Absolutely. Absolutely. So whether you're interested in food science for kids or consulting services, if you're interested in book signing and reading follow along on my Instagram at or just visit my website allimanning.com. That's gonna be the easiest thing to find out all the cool things I have going on.

Marsh Naidoo (17:31):

Have an amazing day, an amazing weekend. And thank you so much for joining us on the Raising Kellan podcast.

Makendra Ezell (17:38):

Thank you so much.

Marsh Naidoo (17:40):

Thank

Marsh Naidoo (17:41):

You for listening to us today. If you would like to contact us, you can reach us@raisingkill.com. Also, we would really appreciate a rate and review on your podcast platform. Remember, that's how we get found. And guys, we have that awesome book giveaway coming up, and Makendra is going to post that on Instagram. Until we see you guys the next time, as always, remember, get to the top of your mountain. This is Marsh Naidoo signing off.