We had the good fortune of connecting with Nadia Edison and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nadia, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
I am a super organized person when it comes to planning the next step. Things do not always progress in that order, but having a plan definately helps situtions where one must be flexible, get back on track.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Blaize is my baby, literally! It’s my sons middle name and my soon-to-be-here daughters middle name! It means “the protector” in French. I fell in love with the concept of the name so much that I want to be surrounded by it. Starting and creating a successful business with longevity is protection for your family. I’ve had upwards of 15 years in the industry, from starting at Starbucks in highschool. That company has a superb customer service model; I have carried that knowledge with me ever since. Working in kitchens, which is very male dominated, has helped me learn how to work quickly, and to build a tough skin. There is a vast difference in cooing at home, versus cooking for the masses. One can be relaxing, the latter can have you so worn out you don’t even know if you’re coming or going! You have to love it, and always continue to learn from every experience, good or bad.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Being that I work in the restaurant industry, that doesn’t leave much time to get out! One of my favorite spots include Lucille’s (which may be a little biased, considering I am a manager there!). The food is an immaculate twist on southern cuisine, right in the middle of Houston’s Museum District. If you haven’t already, it is a place you must experience! Another spot I love is Izakaya. The bar is so fun! The names for their cockails are so creative. One of my favorites they had in the past was called “The Matcha-man, Randy Savage”; get it? On a Thursday, we would definately have to go to Alley Kat to hear The Waxaholics and Dj Big Reeks spin the vinyl. And of course, if its basketball season, we would have to catch a Rockets game (preferably if they are playing the Lakers. I am a LeBron James fan!). My most favorite place to be is the Improv. I have been a comedy fan for a good 20 years. It has been so amazing to see so many of my favorite comedians perform live in an intimate setting.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to commend by loving other half, Tim, for giving me the steps to start Blaize on paper! He is always so excited to work with me for events, and to learn about the ins and outs of the hospitality industry. He’s a numbers guy, built on logic; I am the creative, but at the end of the day business is business and our worlds colliding has helped growth tremendously!

Instagram: @BlaizeKitchen
Facebook: @BlaizeKitchen
Other: Thumbtack: Blaize Hospitality & Design

Image Credits
Nadia Edison