Chef Stikxz, the culinary director at Miss Lily’s 7A and founder of the NYAM dinner series, has been named to Adidas’ 2026 NYC Creative Class, joining five other emerging artists and designers. She views the rising popularity of Caribbean cuisine in New York City as an opportunity, but insists that chefs in the space must aim for ownership and long-term wealth creation rather than just fleeting attention. Adidas will collaborate with the NYC Creative Class throughout the season at its 135 Spring Street space, including an upcoming cookout hosted by Chef Stikxz.

While leading the kitchen at Miss Lily’s, Chef Stikxz is simultaneously building her own brand, balancing entrepreneurial ambitions with advancing an established restaurant. She embraces the dual roles, emphasizing that it’s possible to contribute to others’ success without sacrificing one’s own legacy. Trust from Miss Lily’s has empowered her to bring her unique ideas to life, illustrating that personal confidence and professional responsibility can coexist in her culinary journey.

NYAM and its pop-ups offered Chef Stikxz creative control over food and atmosphere, enabling her to connect deeply with audiences through her Jamaican American heritage. Through those experiences, she learned that diners pay not just for quality food but also for the emotional experience created around it. She stresses that creativity must be backed by disciplined business practices like cost management, pricing, and consistent delivery if food concepts are to become sustainable, valued brands.

Looking ahead, Chef Stikxz insists true progress for Caribbean chefs involves securing ownership of intellectual property and diversifying revenue beyond restaurants. She encourages peers to develop financial literacy matching their culinary skills and highlights industry leaders like Nicola Blaque and Kwame Onwuachi who are already shaping this future. For Chef Stikxz, the goal is ownership and wealth generation rather than just securing “a seat at the table” as Caribbean food enjoys its cultural moment.