Meet Binta Diallo | Chef/Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Binta Diallo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Binta, why did you pursue a creative career?
My journey into an artistic and creative career was profoundly influenced by my background in education, especially through the Reggio Emilia approach. This philosophy, which views creativity as essential to learning and values the expressive, collaborative nature of art, inspired me to see artistic practice not just as a means of self-expression but as a powerful tool for exploration and transformation. Witnessing how the environment could act as a “third teacher” and how creative processes empower learners, I was drawn to a career where I could harness the inherent creativity within every individual, encouraging innovative thinking and a deeper connection with the world around us.

What should our readers know about your business?
withBee is not just a culinary brand—it’s a vibrant celebration of my heritage and a testament to the transformative power of creativity. Drawing on my background in education and the Reggio Emilia approach, which nurtures curiosity and values the expressive potential of every individual, I ventured into this business with a desire to share the authentic flavors of the African diaspora. What sets withBee apart is our commitment to honoring tradition while innovating with bold, handcrafted spice blends, immersive pop-up dining experiences, and engaging cooking classes that invite others to explore their own creativity. The journey hasn’t been easy; I faced challenges from establishing a unique identity in a competitive market to overcoming cultural and operational hurdles. However, by embracing resilience, fostering community, and staying true to my roots, I’ve learned invaluable lessons about perseverance and the importance of authenticity. I want the world to know that withBee is more than a brand—it’s a story of passion, innovation, and the belief that food and art can unite us all.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Interestingly enough, my best friend just visited, so here’s the ultimate week-long itinerary I’d craft: Start by savoring authentic flavors at Merkado in Little Ethiopia, then cool off with a scoop of ice cream from All Chill in Leimert Park. For lunch, indulge in Thai cuisine at Giti Thai (with Hae Ha Heng as a reliable backup), and later, enjoy tapas with a breathtaking view at La Cha Cha Cha. A mandatory stop is Runyon for some local vibe, followed by an art-filled day exploring CAAM and LACMA. For a relaxed lunch date, Zinque is perfect, and weekend brunch at Cecconis is an absolute must. Cap off the week on Sundays with the curated vendors at Smorgasburg LA, and while the hiking trails in Malibu are currently unavailable, you can still catch a mesmerizing sunset at Venice Beach and Santa Monica Beach.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
This is dedicated to the little girl inside who had the bright idea to take control of her life. Also want to dedicate it to a book that talks about the journey, ”The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho.

Website: https://www.withbeellc.com

Instagram: @_withBee