top of page
Baking in a Homey Kitchen.jpeg

THERAPEUTIC CULINARY EXPERIENCES

- FOR WOMEN EXPERIENCING GRIEF - 

a black woman sitting in front of a window with plants surrounding her in the sunlight
Elegant Meatball Dish Presentation

HEALING CULINARY EXPERIENCES

Transforming Grief into Food that Nourishes the Soul, with Women that Feel Like Home

Roots & Returns intertwines food, culture, and emotional healing, specifically for women experiencing grief. Unlike traditional support systems, we create immersive culinary experiences that honor personal and cultural narratives, fostering a sense of community and connection while providing a safe space for reflection and renewal. This blend of culinary artistry and emotional support empowers individuals to transform their grief into a source of inspiration and resilience.

Restoring Ourselves by Returning to Our Roots

Imagine gathering around a table filled with nostalgic dishes made with intention. Each bite evokes love and comfort, allowing individuals to share their stories and find solace together. At Roots & Returns, you are transported back to a time when you felt unwavering love, joy and a true sense of community. 

In a world where overstimulation seems unavoidable and the hamster wheel of life is overwhelming, so many women are left feeling alone and depleted.  Roots & Returns restores the nurturing feeling of wisdom and tradition that once existed in our neighborhoods, our backyards, our get-togethers and our kitchens.

a stack of pancakes topped with bananas foster
Transparent Texture

PREVIEW A WORKSHOP

Experience Roots & Returns For Yourself

At times, it hard to truly capture the feeling that one experiences when attending a workshop. We invite you to take a peek behind the curtain 

a black woman in her kitchen photographing a dish that she just made with her phone
the view of a phone screen recording a young black woman cooking in her kitchen

CULINARY OFFERINGS

Choose Your Path To Healing

We acknowledge the hard work you’re putting into healing and the courage it takes to seek support. Our services are designed to empower you through transformative culinary experiences that honor your memories, foster community, and celebrate your cultural heritage. Together, we’ll create a nurturing space where you can explore your feelings, find inspiration, and reclaim your sense of self.

a black woman in her kitchen cooking while on a video call with a loved one

CLASSES NOW FORMING

Serene Woman in Mustard Yellow Dress in
black and white photo of a young woman with her arms around her grandmother

The Truth About Grief

Grief is an emotional and physical response to loss. It's often associated with death, but there are countless life experiences that thrust us into a state of grief. The loss of a friendship. The loss of a job. The loss the person we used to be before children, spouses and life's responsibilities.

​

Grief is inevitable. When we hold space for our feelings and seek the support of others, our grief can be managed. Some of the common difficulties associated with grief are: 

ISOLATION
IN GRIEF

Many women feel alone in their grief, struggling to find spaces where they can share their feelings and experiences.

DIFFICULTY IN
PROCESSING EMOTIONS

Grief can be overwhelming, making it hard for individuals to process their emotions.

LOSS OF
CULTURAL CONNECTION

After a loss, individuals may feel disconnected from their cultural roots and traditions.

Sand

REVIEWS

What Women Love the Most About Roots & Returns

"Participating in the culinary workshops was a turning point for me. I felt so alone in my grief until I found this community. The combination of cooking and sharing our stories helped me heal in ways I never imagined. I now feel empowered and connected to my roots again."

- Fatima R.

A plus sized black woman in a black dress posing elegantly
Stylish Modern Portrait of a racially ambiguous woman
Serene Beauty Portrait of a young black woman with a low cut hair style

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY GROUP

The Tribe You've been Seeking is One Click Away

Our Facebook Community is a loving space cultivated in positivity, inspiration, sharing and great story telling. We hold space for grief, but above all, we support each other as we work towards healing. Share recipes, share resources, make a friend, but start by joining.  

Alisha Smith posing in a kitchen in front of a larger mixer

IT'S TIME THAT WE MEET

Hi, I'm Alisha Smith

I’m a Food Culture Nostalgist dedicated to empowering women, particularly from marginalized communities, who are navigating grief and loss.​  I created Roots & Returns after ..... I designed this community to be everything I needed to get me back to myself by getting back to my roots.

​

This space is for you. I invite you to stay a while. Find a recipe or an excerpt that speaks to your soul.  If this space feels good to you, I encourage you to subscribe, join our community and experience healing through cooking and culture.

a lesbian couple eating peaches in their kitchen

COUPLES COOKING EXPERIENCE

LOVE ON A PLATE

Create unforgettable memories together at our Love on a Plate event! Experience a romantic evening filled with laughter, love, and delectable desserts.

BRANDS THAT JUST FEEL LIKE HOME

BACK TO THE BASICS

Evolving Starts with Returning to the Foundation from Whence you Came

Reconnect with your cultural heritage and personal memories while fostering a sense of identity and belonging that can be profoundly comforting during times of loss. Women walk away from a healing culinary experience feeling...

Rejuvenated and emotionally fulfilled, having established meaningful connections that foster a sense of belonging and support.

Gratitude from inclusive culinary experiences that honor their cultural heritage, allowing them to express themselves and connect with others.

Resilient having gained the strength to pursue their passions and dreams, recognizing their worth and potential for growth.

Healing and Community Await You

Gain the confidence and inspiration that enables you to reclaim joy and purpose in your life as you navigate this healing journey.

bottom of page