Ali Schlichter
Food has always been the heartbeat of my life—a passion ignited in childhood and nurtured through every stage of my journey. At just 8 years old, I was recreating dishes from the Food Network, eager to bring bold flavors to life in my family’s kitchen. By 14, I had my first job in a small pizza shop in Evergreen, Colorado, where I discovered that food wasn’t just a skill—it was my calling. From those early days, cooking became my language, my creative outlet, and the foundation upon which I would build my career and resilience.
After graduating high school, I attended CU Boulder, putting myself through school by working in pizza shops and sandwich shops. These years taught me the importance of hustle, time management, and a love for the craft of cooking.
When I graduated, I landed a position at a boutique gourmet catering company called Fresh Tracks, where I spent five years as a sous chef. There, I immersed myself in every aspect of the culinary arts, from pastry to butchery. It was during this time that I gained an understanding of the discipline, precision, and artistry required to create exceptional food.
Eager to continue expanding my skills, I joined D Bar, the restaurant of Food Network star Keegan Gerhard, where I honed my pastry expertise. This role solidified my belief in the importance of versatility and creativity in the kitchen. From there, I moved on to open Ohana Grille Denver, where I worked as the head chef and pastry chef full-time, overseeing every detail of the kitchen.
After Ohana, I took on a new challenge at Chop Shop Colfax, where I ran the restaurant for four years. These experiences taught me what it means to lead, innovate, and dedicate myself fully to a vision. Through each position, I developed not only my technical skills but also an unshakable work ethic, a love for my craft, and a drive to always seek out something new and different.
Even with these accomplishments, life had a way of reminding me that success is never flawless. Challenges and setbacks are an unavoidable part of the journey.But what matters is how hard you’re willing to come back from those challenges and who you choose to keep by your side as you move forward.
After leaving Chop Shop, I decided it was time to follow my own dream and launch Chin Dribblin. Chin Dribblin became my dream, a company dedicated to creating bold, flavorful Asian fusion sauces that elevate any dish. But the journey was far from easy. I worked tirelessly, sacrificing time and energy, pouring every ounce of myself and money into the business. Yet, despite my efforts, there were moments when I felt completely lost—like I was pushing a boulder up a hill with no end in sight.
Last year, my world fell apart. I hit rock bottom. Within months, I lost my mother, discovered my girlfriend of five years was cheating on me, said goodbye to my beloved pet of 19 years, and watched my best friend of 25 years walk away because they couldn’t deal with my life struggles. It felt like my life was unraveling at the seams. I was numb, stuck, and ready to give up on my dream.
Then something extraordinary happened. At a Christmas market, while barely holding it together, a casting agent approached me. She urged me to apply for Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars. It felt like a long shot, but what did I have to lose? I took the leap, applied, and before I knew it, I was off to London to compete on the show.
What followed was a journey of transformation. Through the challenges and mentorship on Food Stars from Gordon Ramasay himself, I not only grew as an entrepreneur but as a person. The show pushed me to my limits, forcing me to confront my fears, rebuild my confidence, and embrace resilience. By the end, I emerged as the runner-up—a moment of validation for all the hard work, pain, and perseverance I had endured.. I learned that the bold and brave flavors of my sauces are a direct reflection of who I am as a person. The same qualities that make my sauces stand out—fearlessness, creativity, and depth—are the same qualities I’ve found in myself.
I learned to always speak up for myself, even in moments of self-doubt. I discovered that although public speaking was never my strong suit, if I want something badly enough, I will do whatever it takes to make it happen. I realized that no matter how many times life knocks me down, I will ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS get back up. Most importantly, I learned that if I truly believe in myself and my product, the sky is the limit.
This year has been a year of immense growth, healing, and gratitude. I’ve learned that hitting rock bottom doesn’t mean the end. It’s a foundation to rebuild on—a place where you can only go up. Chin Dribblin is thriving, and I’m more determined than ever to share my sauces with the world.
My story is one of resilience, of finding strength in the darkest moments, and of chasing a dream despite the odds. I hope it inspires anyone who feels lost or defeated to keep going. Your greatest breakthroughs often come from the hardest trials. Keep pushing forward, because the only way is up.
