Owning Your Voice

Watching Tristen Epps win Top Chef was more than a moment of celebration for a culinary talent — it felt like a win for every person who’s ever wrestled with the question, “Should I edit myself to fit in?” From the beginning, Tristen stood out — not for flashy techniques or dramatic TV moments, but because he didn’t try to mimic trends or out-shout the competition (looking at you, Massimo). He brought something else entirely to the table: an unwavering commitment to his roots and his lived experience. Week after week, we saw Tristen plate food that told stories — of family, of culture, of struggle and JOY. He cooked with the intention of honoring where he came from and how he came up, even when that path wasn’t always neat or expected.

At a time when so many of us feel pressure to sand down our edges, to make ourselves more marketable, palatable, or broadly appealing, Tristen reminded us that it’s the specificity of our stories that makes us unforgettable. His food wasn’t trying to be everything for everyone — and maybe that’s exactly why it connected so deeply. There’s a quiet bravery in leading with your truth. It’s not performative. It’s not about spectacle. It’s about letting people see what’s real — even when it’s vulnerable, even when it doesn’t fit the mold.

And when someone like Tristen is celebrated for exactly that, it sends a ripple through the rest of us. It tells every creative, every leader, every changemaker: You don’t need to dilute your voice to earn your place. You don’t need to polish away the parts of yourself that feel “too specific.” Those parts? They’re your power. So here’s to Tristen — not just for winning Top Chef, but for showing us what it looks like to show up fully. With intention. With identity. With pride. And here’s to the rest of us, working up the courage to do the same.