Why I Ride with Waymo: Ayesha Curry

Editor’s note: Ayesha Curry wears many hats — entrepreneur, actress, television host, author, mother. In her own words “I have a life, businesses, and a family that I love; the only thing I need more of is time! Waymo helps me make more of my minutes so I can focus on the things that really matter.” Hear more from Ayesha about her riding experience with Waymo and how it helps her be more productive.

Ayesha, thanks for riding with Waymo! It’s not every day we get to talk to celebrity restaurateurs. When was your first ride with us? 

I was in LA last September for our Sweet July Skin launch at the gorgeous Thirteen Lune Larchmont store! I had a celebratory dinner afterwards with some friends and had my first Waymo ride to take me to the restaurant. I was hooked immediately - it was so easy and convenient!

What were you thinking before that first trip? How did your outlook change as the ride progressed? 

I tend to be a little bit of a thrill seeker so the driverless aspect was just exciting to me. Once I hooked up my music and got settled in, I just sat back and enjoyed the trip. 

We’re glad you’re a fan. What do you love most about Waymo?

I find myself packing a lot into my day, so the convenience is really what I love most. I can catch up on calls in the backseat with complete privacy and my driving experience is always comfortable and reliable. It really allows me to optimize my day to the fullest. 

What’s surprised you most about riding with Waymo? Is there anything about riding in a fully autonomous vehicle you weren’t expecting before you took your first trip?

The ease of ordering rides was unexpected. The app is so easy to use, and the cars always pull up right to my location. 

You wear a lot of different hats — entrepreneur, actor, television host, author, mother. How do you juggle it all? How have you found Waymo has fit into that life? 

I like to call it beautiful chaos! Things can get hectic, but for me it’s just about having grace with myself and trying to enjoy the ride even when things get really busy. I am always looking for ways to be more efficient so that I can be more present with my family and colleagues. Waymo means that commute time is no longer wasted time. I can work or connect with the kids in between meetings and events. It’s been a game changer. 

You’re also behind the successful restaurant International Smoke in SoMa. What does it mean for you to have started a restaurant in San Francisco?

San Francisco is such a cultural melting pot with some of the best restaurants in the world. It’s incredibly competitive with the quality being as high as it is, so it’s humbling to be a part of this community. Feeding people is my love language. It’s what connected Chef Mina and I right from the start. We take a lot of care and attention in making sure everyone that comes to the restaurant has a memorable experience from start to finish. I think that’s why it’s so exciting for me when I see people coming back to the restaurant because they had such a great meal and want to share that experience  with other friends and family. 

What's your favorite thing on your menu right now and what's a can't miss? 

It’s really hard to pick a favorite because everything is delicious so it really depends on what mood I'm in. But the one dish I order every time is our Double Duck Wings with Mango-Habanero Glaze and Green Seasoning. I’m a sweet and savory girl, so this is the perfect bite. At this point I don’t even need to ask, the kitchen usually boxes up a couple extra orders of duck wings for me to take home at the end of the meal because they know how much the family and I love them. 

Anything you’d say to people who are skeptical about trying Waymo out? 

I think everyone has to do what makes them comfortable, but for me Waymo has been an incredible resource in helping me to be my most efficient self.