Ep 122 Food, Community & Returning to Your Creative Self: A Conversation with Chef Ashley Olson

In this rich, heartfelt episode, Anna is joined by Ashley Olson, Founder and Executive Chef of Southern with a French Twist. Ashley creates intimate culinary experiences across Austin and the Hill Country — from luxury dinner parties to private jet catering — with a philosophy that blends Southern warmth with French finesse.But this episode isn’t just about food. It’s about returning to the parts of yourself you left behind. It’s about trusting the unknown. It’s about community, creativity, and the radical act of showing up authentically in a world that often feels isolating.Ashley shares the winding path that took her from corporate tech burnout to culinary school to building a business centered on connection and hospitality. She talks about shame-free childhood creativity, the vulnerability of letting herself be seen, and the courage of choosing a life without knowing where it will lead.She also shares her passion for reimagining the culinary workplace — creating environments where chefs are cared for, nourished, and supported rather than burnt out and broken down.In this episode, we explore:• Ashley’s early love of baking and the creative breadcrumbs that led her back to herself• Leaving the corporate grind to follow an intuition she couldn’t explain yet• The role of safe containers — in life, in community, and at the table• How COVID changed gathering culture and sparked Ashley’s business growth• Why authenticity is terrifying (and necessary) for building anything meaningful• Coming home to your own creative identity — and the business that emerges when you stop shape-shifting• What makes Southern with a French Twist different from traditional private chefing• The importance of bringing hospitality to both clients and the chefs behind the scenes• Ashley’s dreams for the future: a movement around gathering, and a radically healthy culinary workplace• The practical, grounded conversation she has with fear every single day• How to recognize the “heat map” of fear and follow it toward creativityThis episode is a warm meal for anyone longing for creativity, connection, or permission to return to the truest parts of themselves. Connect with Ashley• Website: https://www.southernwithafrenchtwist.com/• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chef.ashley.olson/ Connect with Anna• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anna_holtzman/• Website: https://www.annaholtzman.com/• Free workshop — Let Yourself Be Seen: https://www.annaholtzman.com/beseen