Today we’d like to introduce you to Tarsha Gary.
Chef Tarsha is an award-winning Executive Chef Owner of “CRAVE” Gourmet Bakery & Catering – a full service catering company thriving in the Houston metropolitan area for more than 18 years. Chef Gary is also the enthusiastic Founder and President of ECOTONE World, LLC – an urban sustainability model advocating urban agriculture (community gardening), food education, organic commerce and global enrichment. One of ECOTONE’s most successful education initiatives is “Community Kids Cook™ w/Chef Tarsha” a successful healthy food education program in existence for the past 12 years, specifically targeting urban youth. Enriched by her experience as a former Community College Culinary Instructor, in January 2017, Chef Gary was invited to take on the role of “Convener” of the Food Education Circle in support of the United Nations’ International Decade for People of African Descent, a role that she has welcomed with great excitement and is currently developing with a goal of widespread global impact. Some of her numerous honors include: Presidential Acknowledgement (2016 – President Barak Obama for ECOTONE World – www.ecotoneworld.com), Mayor’s Proud Partner Award (2016 and 2014—City of Houston for ECOTONE World successful community engagement; and for designing and project managing the Renovation of Independence Heights Park Community Garden), Strategic Corporate Community Partner Award (2014—World Youth Foundation), Top 50 Women Conversationalist” (featured as one of the 50 women at 2014 “Table Talk” presented by the Friends of Women’s Studies University of Houston Women -annual event), “Ready Houston Preparedness Chef’s Challenge 2013 Champion” (2013 – City of Houston), “Top 25 Women of Houston” (2011- Comerica Bank & Rolling Out Magazine), “Texas Blazing Star” (2010 – Texas Women’s Chamber of Commerce in Austin), “40 Under 40” (2009 – Houston Business Journal), “40 Under 40 Chefs” (2009 – Mother Nature’s Network –national listing #11), “Pinnacle Award Finalist” (2008 – Houston Citizen’s Chamber of Commerce). National Judge for Culinary Competition of the NAACP Act-So Program (2012 in Houston, TX and 2016 in Cincinnati, OH competitions).
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I will say, without question, the road has never been smooth or easy. As a female Chef hitting my stride in a historically male dominated industry it has definitely been a challenge to pave a clear road to opportunities that would avail advanced level mentorship, financial backing and/or advocacy to “take a chance” on supporting my ideas (a vote of confidence that men freely extend to each other- the value of which can never be underestimated).
I realized fairly early on that I would have to go the “show and prove route” and in pursuit of that goal it has been fearless determination that has propelled me forward. In the years that followed, I’ve taken it one step at a time to bring my vision to fruition that would impact people on a local, national and global scale. “ECOTONE World” of which I am the Founder/Director/Educator… and my corresponding educational outreach program “Community Kids Cook w/ Chef Tarsha” are now the mantel pieces, the show and the proof that “where there is a will there most certainly is a way.” Today, as I continue on that path, I take every opportunity to mentor others by sharing my incite and experiences to bolster those who would dare venture forward!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Ecotone World – what should we know?
ECOTONE is a “green” vision catalyst offering tangible solutions to address the needs of urban communities in the areas of community development and sustainability, community gardening, health & nutrition, organic commerce and ecological global enrichment.
We implement our vision through various educational opportunities for direct community engagement: community gardening, seed distribution, youth food education classes (“Community Kids Cook w/Chef Tarsha”), cooking demonstrations, farmer’s marketing and overall advocacy for the value of grown one’s own organic fruits and vegetables.
Additionally, we are happy to offer design consult, construct and collaboration on new or restoring old gardens. We are most proud of our work spearheading the design of a number of public community gardens as a feature and function in a couple of City of Houston Parks – i.e. The Park at Palm Center Garden and Independence Heights Park Community Garden to name a few. At our home base St. Charles Street Urban Community Garden located in Third Ward/Midtown we utilize the green space to engage students (university, high school and middle school from various backgrounds from around the city and state) in yearly opportunities to learn about gardening; prevailing issues of a food desert, seed saving awareness and empowering them in all facets of urban agriculture – i.e. “Spring Break Spring Clean,” Internships, and Community Service Hours work site (approved by the court system).
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
We’ve developed several valuable Community Partnerships with other organizations and individuals who share in our underlying goal to educate, restore and sustain healthy communities. Most notably among them are organizations like: Community Artists’ Collective, The Married Ladies Social, Art and Charity Club of America, Inc; Generation One and Shape Community Center and there are more. Equally important is work and support of our Advisory Board Members whose work continues to add to our success and resilience.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ecotoneworld.com
- Phone: 8322659425
- Email: cheftarsha@gmail.com
Image Credit:
Brittany Kelly Photography
ECOTONE World
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