Sophia Roe - The Food World Star On How Becoming A Mom Has Made Her The Person She Always Wanted To Be

Sophia Roe is a James Beard Award-winning chef, writer, producer, Emmy-nominated TV host, and the founder of Apartment Miso — a culinary studio based in Brooklyn.After a traumatic childhood in Florida — spent in and out of the foster care system and riddled with food insecurity — Sophia was always fascinated with the world of cooking. At 19, she started working at a local restaurant — eventually making her way up through the industry and landing at the Michelin-starred Eleven Madison Park in New York and as a private chef.All the while, she never forgot her roots. As a TV host for Vice and others, Sophia became known for looking at cuisine through the lens of food justice — covering topics of hunger, equity, supply chain, and sustainability — alongside beauty, history, and innovation. This work made her the first Black woman to be nominated for a Daytime Emmy in the Culinary Category in 2021 (and again in 2024). Recently, the food world star has entered her most cherished era — as the mother of a baby girl, Mizu Lee.  To mark this beautiful new period, we sat down with Sophia to talk about what ambition looks like for her today and how motherhood has transformed her into the person she’s always wanted to be.Follow Sophia at @sophia_roe and iamsophiaroe.comToday’s episode is brought to you by Blue Apron and Babyletto.Visit blueapron.com and use code MOTHER for 35% off your first 3 orders — plus free shipping!Shop www.babyletto.com/MOTHERMAG and take $50 off when you spend $500+. This limited time offer expires 7/15/2026. One use per customer.Shop favorites including the Kiwi, Rizo, Lido Wave Convertible Bunk Bed, Nessa Nesting Table, and All-Stage CribsPlease follow, rate, and leave The MOTHER Podcast a review!For more stories about motherhood and so much more, visit mothermag.com and follow @mothermag on Instagram.For more on Sophia’s inspiring story, check out these resources:Campers Show (Podcast)Cherry Bombe (Podcast)Forbes (YouTube)Food52 (Site) The MOTHER Podcast is produced by Em Roberts and Ali Alquiza.