Today we’d like to introduce you to Holly Adair.
Holly, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started out as an art major in college before moving into fashion merchandising and design, and that led me to a career in fashion and luxury retail. From there, I joined a personal care startup as Director of Brand Development, where I helped pioneer infinitely recyclable aluminum packaging. The company was acquired after Covid, and I began consulting on branding, creative research and strategy.
Through all of it, I kept feeling that I wanted to tie these threads together, and to use them to highlight the artisans and makers who make this world a more beautiful and sustainable place. That’s when the idea for Central Stem came to me. The name comes from my love of Georgia O’Keeffe. An art critic once said that everything she did came from a central stem, and that was my light bulb moment. It captured how everything Central Stem does grows from one place: craft, community and the table.
Since launching in 2024, I’ve hosted more than 15 events. They’ve included a book release dinner with food writer Alicia Kennedy, a series of dinners with chef Ian Knauer (formerly of Gourmet magazine), and a dinner with Chef Terri Terrell supporting the Utopian Seed Project. I’ve also hosted a cookbook brunch with food stylist and chef Mariana Velasquez, and a biscuit brunch and class with food preserver and writer April McGreger.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. Honestly, it’s been a lonely one at times. Central Stem has been a one-woman show from the start, and while I’ve had wonderful help with events along the way, I really miss the camaraderie that comes with building something together. I’ve learned to wear every hat, from planning and sourcing to marketing and hosting, and I’m proud of that. But it has made me value community even more, and it’s a big part of why I love bringing people together around the table.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Through Central Stem, I host and collaborate on dinners, happy hours, hands-on experiences and pop-ups that celebrate the artisans and makers working to make the world more beautiful and sustainable. I also consult on retail brand strategy, creative direction and event planning. What I specialize in is storytelling, and bringing people together at the table to experience those stories firsthand.
I think I’m known for the details. At my events, nothing on the table is there by accident, from hand-blown glassware to tablecloths made from food waste. Every piece has a maker and a story behind it, and I love when guests leave with something of their own, whether that’s a new skill, a handmade piece, or a story to retell.
What I’m most proud of is my creative eye and attention to detail. It can also be my biggest fault, since I’ll happily spend hours on a detail most people might never notice! But I believe those details are what make people feel cared for.
What’s next?
There’s a lot to look forward to! I have an upcoming collaboration with food writer Alicia Kennedy, which I can’t wait to share more about soon. This fall, I’m also hosting a trunk show with Dana Cowin, former editor-in-chief of Food & Wine magazine. Through Progressive Hedonist, Dana champions sustainability tips, practices and gatherings, so it feels like a natural fit for Central Stem.
The biggest change ahead is that I’ll be leading the launch of the Together Hospitality Philadelphia chapter. We’ve set a goal of hosting monthly roundtables throughout 2027, bringing together chefs, owners, makers and hospitality professionals in spaces across the city. After building Central Stem largely on my own, I’m especially looking forward to building something together, and to creating the kind of camaraderie I’ve missed along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://centralstem.co/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/centralstem
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollybeaadair/
