Walking with Grace: Randi Weinstein
Michelle Obama once said, “There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.”
As a woman-owned business staffed with more than a dozen ladies, we believe this whole-heartedly. We strive to push beyond boundaries daily, but, more importantly, we deeply believe in women supporting women.
Randi Weinstein inspires us daily with her strong feminist words, but Randi also walks the walk. This powerhouse lady is the founder of FAB, a series of educational and inspirational workshops created by women for women in the hospitality industry.
During FAB, some of the greatest forces in the hospitality industry come together for an honest, compassionate, and unfiltered meeting of the minds. Anyone who has attended FAB will testify to the incredible positive energy, the powerful bonds of sisterhood forged, and the inspiring way the speakers and attendees lift each other up.
Never before have women in hospitality faced such a challenging year. We’re excited to feature Randi Weinstein in our International Women’s Day edition of Walking with Grace, as she discusses the landscape of feminism today, her hope for the future, and how to support women in hospitality as we ride out these waves.
all photos in this post courtesy Reese Moore Photography
Randi Weinstein
FAB Workshop
You’ve worn a lot of impressive hats in your life. What led you to start FAB?
FAB is almost a continuation of a series of events called Bad Bitches that I coordinated with two
other women. The intent was to showcase women’s ride in the hospitality community through the
decades, beginning with the ’50s to the present.
We raised over $50K in scholarship money to give out to those applying to further their career. Those ranged from opportunities to attend culinary school, chocolate-making classes, creating a podcast, organic gardening, and sommelier certifications at various levels.
FAB is all about women empowering women. Who are three women who have empowered you?
That is so hard, to be honest. My mother for one. She was a force and always pushing the envelope.
In my time with FAB, I feel that I have found so many women that could be included in the answer to that question.
Martha Hoover is a force of nature, and I admire her business acumen and that she speaks what’s on her mind. Kutina Ruhumbika, the HR director for Major Food Group, is also pretty incredible as she is so giving of herself on top of the enormous job she holds.
What is the most rewarding part of your work with FAB?
That’s easy, seeing all womxn come together, learn from one another, develop friendships,
obtain mentors in some cases, and expand their network and vision.
The world has changed so much in the last year. What do you see when you look out on the landscape of female empowerment today?
I think womxn are incredible forces of nature.
We are so good at multitasking, listening, and putting things into action; if womxn ran the world, it would be a much better place. I think we have seen so many incredible women step into such powerful positions through this past year, between Covid, Black Lives Matter, Food Insecurities programming, and so much more.
How can we support women in hospitality during this vulnerable time?
Ask how you can help, what they need, and actually go through with helping someone. You can’t say, ”let me know if I can help,” make it more actionable. Support womxn-owned businesses as much as possible.
It’s Women’s History Month. If you could have one dinner with one feminist, past or present, who would it be?
One dinner with one feminist person…..wow…
Angela Davis for her continued role from the Civil Rights movement, the Black Power movement, and how she has been a relentless champion to progress women’s rights over so many decades.
Finally, what is your hope for future generations of women?
My hope is that this industry does not continue to lose womxn because of trying to balance
family and life.
During Covid, we have seen a tremendous loss of womxn in the industry, and there is no backup plan to support working moms through these times.
I hope future generations look at life much differently and understand the need to look at the broader picture and not work people to death, to pay honest, fair, living wages, provide insurance, and make this the dignified industry of choice to work.
A heartfelt thank you to Randi Weinstein for making the time to speak with us and for all the inspiring work she has done and continues to do supporting women in the hospitality industry and beyond. For more information on FAB, the powerhouse women organizing and speaking at the workshops, and how to attend, please visit the FAB website.
Celebrate the bonds of sisterhood by inviting the women who inspire you to a Grit & Grace Studio Mala Workshop. In this transformational, inspiring workshop, you'll set your intentions and enjoy guided meditation, a tea ceremony, and a tutorial for making your very own Mala Mantra Necklace. It is our honor to host you, and it would be our pleasure to customize your Mala Workshop to you and your soul sisters.
One Love & Blessings,