In the world of professional pizza, the air is often filled with more than just the scent of bubbling mozzarella; it’s an industry historically dominated by men. But Christy Alia, the visionary behind @realcleverfood, is changing that narrative, one slice at a time.
On a recent episode of the Pizza Story podcast, host Erica D’Arcangelo sat down with Christy to discuss her journey from a childhood in the Bronx to becoming a global ambassador for the craft and the founder of Women’s Pizza Month.
From the Bronx to the Backyard
Christy’s pizza roots run deep. Born in the Bronx and raised in Queens, she grew up in the heart of New York’s pizza culture. Her grandfather, a Sicilian immigrant, instilled in her a “from-scratch” philosophy that defined her palate.
“My grandfather was born in Italy… it was hard to get him actually to go and eat out,” Christy recalled. “Everything was made fresh from scratch. Bread, pasta… it was just a part of my upbringing.”
While she spent years in real estate, the 2020 pandemic reignited her culinary spark. After purchasing her first backyard pizza oven, she took to Instagram to share her creations. What started as a way to stay social during lockdown quickly evolved into a platform for teaching and recipe development.
The Secret Ingredient: Seasonality
Christy’s pizzas aren’t just food; they are seasonal snapshots. A firm believer that we “eat with our eyes,” her aesthetic approach is matched only by her dedication to local ingredients. In spring, Christy forages for wild ramps in Westchester County to create fresh pesto. During Summer, she utilizes sun-ripened local tomatoes.
She encourages home cooks to “cheat” their way to better cooking by simply choosing better ingredients. As she puts it, “You don’t have to do much with them when you’re starting with the best.”
The Birth of Women’s Pizza Month
The most impactful part of Christy’s career began with a simple observation: when she first started posting her pizzas, everyone assumed she was a man.
“The community was really small and male-dominated… everyone assumed I was a guy because of my generic logo,” she said. Instead of getting upset, she saw an opportunity. Seeing other powerhouses like Sarah Minnick and Ann Kim making waves, she decided to use March Women’s History Month to shine a spotlight on female pizzaiolas.
Now in its sixth year, Women’s Pizza Month has evolved into a global networking system. It’s a space where women can find mentorship, emotional support, and the “know-how” to succeed in a tough industry.
Advice for the Next Generation of Women in Pizza
For women looking to break into the industry or grow their social presence, Christy offers three pieces of hard-earned advice: keep showing up, algorithms can be brutal, and often lean into gender biases. “If I walk away, then there’s one less woman showing up,” Christy noted. Persistence is key. Second, she states to stay true to your brand, don’t chase viral trends at the expense of your authenticity. Christy only features products on her page that she genuinely loves and uses. Her final piece of advice is to network fearlessly and reach out to those you admire. The pizza community is surprisingly “pure-souled” and willing to help.
Get Involved: The Women’s Pizza Month Scholarship
Christy isn’t just talking about change; she’s funding it. This year marks the third year of the Women’s Pizza Month Scholarship, awarding five women the opportunity to attend Pizza University.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just fired up your first backyard oven, Christy Alia’s message is clear: there is a seat at the table for you. Or, more accurately, a spot at the oven.
Follow Christy Alia on Instagram @realcleverfood.
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