My name is Anika Waterman, native of Brooklyn, New York with deep roots in Bennettsville, South Carolina. At home, I am a wife of almost 6 dynamic years and a mom to the world’s most interesting toddler. Professionally, I am a chef, digital marketer, and community activist passionate about helping others grow into the best, most authentic versions of themselves.

“Chef, you say?”

Yes! The kitchen is my canvas, my studio, and oftentimes my sanctuary. I take pride in every detail of a meal: quality of ingredients, the store run, my prep station, utensils, temperature, plating… everything! The right meal at the right time can change your entire state of being. Cooking allows me to reconnect with my ancestors, as I reminisce on lessons learned from my grandmother about doing things the “right way.” Even though we’re millennials, the classic Sunday dinner is still a staple in the Waterman household to start our week off proper!

“Are you still on the phone?”

Growing up in a large family taught me to value the stories and experiences of others. As we transitioned from the 90s to the dawn of the digital age, I watched social media rise up around me as a means to connect with my loved ones, friends, and people worldwide. Everyday I love to share meaningful, motivational content because I know what it feels like to NEED a good word or a great laugh in a troubled time. Working with brands and businesses to amplify powerful product stories has been a dream come true, allowing me to connect my community to innovative and useful tools.

“Can you help?”

Since my first professional experience as the manager of my high school’s men’s basketball team (2008-2012), I’ve always been committed to serving others. Little did I know those years of assisting at practices and games, tracking stats, and communicating with student-athletes would blend quite perfectly into the next agenda: using basketball as a means to discourage gun violence. My then-boyfriend and I led the charge to found the I AM PEACE 3-on-3 Youth Basketball Tournament at Jackie Robinson Playground in Crown Heights, Brooklyn in the summer of 2014, which had sadly become a hotbed for shootings. Having grown up playing in this sacred park, I could not accept this reality. Our tournament became an annual flagship – also leading to an offshoot mentorship program – and reset the tone for peace and positivity at our local playground.

“What’s next?”

AnikaCooks is expanding beyond event catering and private dining services to now offer meal prep, with something very special in the works for 2023. Anika.world, the site, was founded as a home for women to receive inspiration, guidance, and love, and I plan to dig deeper into that space with some new exciting projects. On my way to Twenty Nine, I’m expecting this year to be my best yet.