Ep 58: Hosting with Heart: Breaking the Rules of Traditional Entertaining

“The heart of hospitality isn’t about impressing others but making them feel welcome.”

— Saanya Ali

Welcome back to episode 58 of nosyAF!

In this episode of nosyAF: Conversations About Art, Activism, and Social Change, host Stephanie sits down with Saanya Ali, founder of Soiree, to discuss how she is hosting with heart and redefining hospitality through her creative and joyful approach to gatherings. Saanya shares how hosting can move beyond stress and formality, focusing instead on connection and generosity. From her international upbringing to her passion for food and community, Saanya highlights how hospitality can be as simple as pizza on the floor with friends, emphasizing that the experience is about people, not perfection.

🍜Hosting with heart means prioritizing connection over perfection and making everyone feel valued and at home.

🍕A dinner party doesn’t have to be elaborate. It can be pizza on the floor—the connection matters," says Saanya.

🍽️ By breaking down the barriers to hosting, Saanya shows everyone can create memorable experiences, no matter the setting.

🥂Hospitality is about generosity and bringing people together, whether at a lavish event or a casual get-together.

Saanya Ali is a storyteller, writer, self-trained chef, and community-builder. She founded SOIRÉE, a platform that simplifies hosting for a new generation of entertainers. Born in Switzerland to South Asian parents and having traveled to over 65 countries, Saanya is fascinated by how food connects people across cultures and traditions. For her, a shared meal is more than just food—it's a way to break down barriers, tell stories, and bring people closer to their roots and communities.

After graduating from NYU's Gallatin School with a focus on Mixed Media Storytelling and Human Rights, Saanya worked at Well+Good before leaving in 2022 to focus full-time on SOIRÉE. The platform offers playful, practical solutions for Gen Z hosts, prioritizing authenticity, creativity, and accessibility over perfection.

At heart, Saanya is a curious third-culture kid who passionately believes in the power of food and connection. Her journey, from her multicultural upbringing to her extensive travels, has reinforced her belief that food is a universal language that can bridge cultural gaps and foster meaningful connection.

• SOIRÉE Website
• Sign up for the Saanya’s newsletter: SOIRÉE

“We dont need a run of show!”

"Food is a universal language—it brings people together, and that's what hospitality is all about."

"The heart of hospitality isn’t about impressing others but making them feel welcome.”

Connect with Saanya

Instagram: @justsoiree

Website: https://www.justsoiree.com/

Connect with Stephanie

Instagram: @stephaniegraham

Email: stephanie@missgraham.com

Check out my art and projects

Enjoy my work?

Ep 57: Black Male Friendship: A Love You Bro Update

Summary of the episode:

In this episode of noseyAF, host Stephanie invites Black men living in Chicago to participate in her ongoing photography project titled "Love You Bro." Launched in 2018, the project aims to document the unique bonds of friendship among Black men through photography. Stephanie shares her inspiration for the project, which stemmed from her personal observations of the loyalty and camaraderie in these friendships. Listeners can learn more about the project and find a link to sign up for the photography session scheduled for October 6th at a studio in Chicago. Join the conversation about art, activism, and the importance of friendship in the Black community.

Topics discussed:

• Inspiration Behind the Love You Bro Project
• Significance of Friendship
• Come to the Photo Session!!

Resources mentioned in this episode

• Signup to come to the Love You Bro Portrait Session
• Love You Bro Project
• Whitney Bradshaw’s Outcry Project

Connect with Stephanie

Instagram: @stephaniegraham

Email: stephanie@missgraham.com

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Episode Credits:

Produced, Hosted, and Edited by Me, Stephanie (teaching myself audio editing!)

Lyrics: Queen Lex

Instrumental: Freddie Bam Fam

Ep 56: Choosing You: Art, Family, Community

🎨👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🤎✊🏾

"You got to choose you." - Pug Atomz, Prince of Art 😎 IFYKYK

Hey friends, welcome back to another episode of nosey AF! Today, we have an incredibly versatile Chicago artist, Pugs Atomz, on the show. Pugs is a true Renaissance man, excelling as an emcee, painter, sculptor, fashion designer, and more. In this episode, we dive deep into his multifaceted creative journey.

Episode Summary:

We start by discussing Pugs' impressive discography, which includes around 32 albums. We also explore the challenges of being a multi-talented artist and how Pugs navigates people's attempts to pigeonhole him. Pugs shares fascinating stories about his early career, including his time working at the Chicago Children's Museum and how he balanced his art with various day jobs.

Pugs reveals the importance of choosing oneself, especially as an artist. He recounts a pivotal moment when he decided to pursue his dreams over job security. We also discuss the power of community and how he founded the Nacrobats, a hip-hop crew that started in 1993 and grew to include over 200 members.

One of the highlights of our conversation is Pugs' approach to his art, which he describes as highly detailed and research-driven. Whether painting, making music, or designing fashion, Pugs emphasizes the importance of layers and details in his work.

We also discuss his latest project, "Mookie on the South Side," a multi-disciplinary work that includes paintings, installations, and an album. Pugs explains how he sees his projects as mini-movies, each with a beginning, middle, and end.

Towards the end of the episode, we delve into Pugs' style and his time as the creative director for the fashion line Iridium. He shares insights into how he plans his outfits and the importance of having a versatile wardrobe.

This episode is a treasure trove of insights and stories from one of Chicago's most dynamic artists. Whether you're an aspiring artist or just a fan of creative expression, you won't want to miss this conversation with Pugs Atomz.

Thanks for tuning in. Pugs' fashion brand, Usuwe, offers some stylish and unique pieces.

Topics discussed:

• Pugs Atomz’s Multifaceted Career: The episode explores Pugs' various artistic endeavors, including his music, painting, sculpture, and fashion design.
• The Artist's Journey: Pugs discusses his early career, challenges, and the importance of choosing oneself as an artist. He also shares insights into the power of community and his experiences with the Nacrobats.
• Pugs' Creative Process and Projects: The episode delves into Pugs' approach to his art, including his focus on detail and research. He also discusses his latest project, "Mookie on the South Side," and his style.

Pugs Atomz Bio:

Pugs Atomz is a multi-talented artist—a designer, muralist, rapper, and radio host. Inspired by his Chicago upbringing and artistic mother, he explored visual arts and music. In the 1990s, he co-founded The Nacrobats collective, releasing albums and solidifying himself in hip-hop.

After attending art school, Pugs released his debut album in 2000 and toured internationally. He documented his life as a graffiti artist through music and art installations. His social commentary led to involvement with anti-violence movements.

Pugs' international tours with DJ Vadim sparked a passion for fashion. He designed for major brands and co-founded Iridium Clothing, which attracted celebrities and cultivated young talent. He now runs his brand, Usuwe, and contributes to public art projects through co-founded initiatives.

Resources mentioned in this...

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of art submissions. Stephanie answers a listener's burning question: Is it worth paying an entry fee for art opportunities? She breaks down the importance of thorough research, emphasizing the value of understanding the hosting organization, juror, and curator.

Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting , this episode offers practical advice on navigating the complex landscape of art opportunities with confidence and clarity.

Topics discussed:

🔍Researching Art Opportunities: How to dig deep into an organization's history, the juror's style, and the curator's vision.

🔍Setting Financial Boundaries: Creating a budget and limiting monthly spending on entry fees.

🔍DIY vs. External Opportunities: Weighing the pros and cons of producing your own exhibition vs. applying to external art calls.

🔍Maximizing Your Investment: How to choose opportunities that align with your artistic goals and offer the best potential return.

Connect with Stephanie

Instagram: @stephaniegraham

Email: stephanie@missgraham.com

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Sign up for the noseyAF dispatch

Hey there, noseyAF fam! Stephanie Graham here, and guess what? We're hitting a significant milestone with our 50th episode, and it's a Q&A special, baby! I'm seriously feeling the love from all of you fantastic listeners, whether you've been rocking with us since day one or just hopping on board. Seriously, your support means the world to me, and I'm beyond stoked to celebrate this momentous occasion with every one of you.

So, what's in store for this special ep?

Well, get ready to dive deep into all sorts of topics as I spill the beans on my summer plans (Summertime Chi vibes, anyone?), reminisce about my very first artwork, and even dish on which Real Housewife could make it big in the visual art scene. Plus, we're tackling the big question of how to bring creativity into those oh-so-serious corporate settings and diving into the ultimate goal of our beloved podcast.

This is only possible with your fantastic questions and the vibrant noseyAF community we've built together. Seriously, you all are the real MVPs. And hey, the fun doesn't stop here! We've got more epic episodes, bonus content, and surprises lined up for Season Five, so you better stay tuned, stay curious, and keep those questions coming. Do you want to join the convo or share your thoughts? Hit me at Stephanie@missgraham.com, slide into those show notes, and leave feedback. Until next time, noseyAF friends, keep being curious and remarkable, and I'll catch you on the flip side!

Resources mentioned in this episode

• Hit up Kristyn Edwards if you need help with leadership
• Meg Franklin on noseyAF
• Check out Julia Cameron's The Artist Way

Connect with Stephanie

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@stephaniegraham

@noseyafpod

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Hey, nosey friends! I'm just popping in to share some exciting updates about noseyAF.

What You'll Learn:

• When Season 5 is dropping
• About the new noseyAF Dispatch newsletter

Fun Chicago Events:

Chicago Art Department's 20th Anniversary Crystal Ball September 14th:

Calling all art enthusiasts! Join the glamorous celebration with code STEPHANIE for 10% off tickets.

Get your Crystal Ball tickets here

Terrain Exhibitions Fundraiser: Garden Party September 21st:

Enjoy art, food, and music at the Riverside Art Center.

Get your Early Bird tickets now!

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Learn about sponsorship opportunities

This episode is a call to action for listeners! Stephanie, the host, is looking for guests for future episodes of noseyAF.

Folks I'm looking for:

• Grocery store owners and managers to discuss the challenges and rewards of running a local store and its impact on communities.
• Food economists or urban planners to explore the concept of food deserts and its impact on neighborhoods.
• Artists with a community-engaged art practice to discuss creating art that benefits the community and can be a business model.
• Sneaker resellers to delve into the world of sneaker reselling culture and how people make money reselling sneakers.
• Etiquette coaches and dinner party masters to discuss the art of throwing a dinner party and proper etiquette.

If you know anyone, please send me a email , Thanks you so much for your help!

Connect with Stephanie

Instagram: @stephaniegraham

Email: noseyAFpodcast@gmail.com

Check out my art and projects

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Sponsorship Opportunities

Introducing the podcast Studio Noize! where creativity meets conversation! Join host Jamaal Barber on a journey into the vibrant world of Black creatives who are reshaping the art scene. Whether renowned artists like Deborah Roberts and Bisa Butler or emerging talents making their mark, Studio Noize offers intimate, behind-the-scenes access to their stories and inspirations.

With each episode, Jamaal invites listeners into the studios of these remarkable individuals, exploring the passion, dedication, and unique perspectives that fuel their artistic endeavors. From insightful discussions on technique and process to candid reflections on the challenges and triumphs of their careers, Studio Noize celebrates the diverse voices shaping contemporary art.

As an artist and printmaker, Jamaal profoundly understands and appreciates the creative journey. His infectious enthusiasm and genuine curiosity, which have the power to ignite sparks of inspiration, infuse each conversation, leaving listeners energized and inspired to pursue their own artistic dreams.

Join the Studio Noize family today and discover the power of creativity, community, and connection. Tune in at [insert podcast link] to explore the boundless world of art through the lens of Studio Noize.

Listen to Studio Noize: https://www.studionoizepodcast.com/

Support noseyAF!

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