Tarajia Morrell — ”We imagine our future, our family, ourselves.”

From Chopped to Top Chef to restaurant dreams, Fatima Ali's star was on the rise. But after a devastating cancer diagnosis upended her plans, the young chef vowed to experience all she could with the time she had left. Yet as her illness suddenly worsened, Fatima pivoted once again, this time turning to the page as a place to reflect on her identity, food, family, and life. The result is Savor, a collection of intimate vignettes from Fatima and her mother guided by collaborator Tarajia Morrell, whose editorial prowess and shared values helped bring Fatima's story to book form. 

Like Fatima, Tarajia's appreciation for gathering around a table has informed how she moves through the world. And her own story of creativity, resilience, and love reaffirms a universal truth: There is so much to savor when we pay attention to the things that connect us most.

In this interview, Tarajia shared more about her time with Fatima, telling stories in the digital age, and what she's learned about motherhood, love, and loss. This episode also opens with a story by Jenna Matecki.

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Episode Transcript: https://slowstoriespodcast.com/tarajia-morrell 

Learn more about Tarajia's work: https://www.tarajiamorrell.com/ 

Follow Tarajia: http://www.instagram.com/tarajiamorrell 

Purchase SAVOR: https://bookshop.org/p/books/savor-a-chef-s-hunger-for-more-fatima-ali/18069623 

Learn more about Jenna's work: http://jennamatecki.com/ 

Follow Jenna: https://www.instagram.com/jennamatecki/