I am a 33 year old mom of 3 amazing kids. I come from a very close-knit family. Most of them have lived in Fountain Inn their whole lives, including my aunt Dethel, who helped raise me and taught me everything I know about cooking.
She started teaching me at a very young age how to cook. I also watched my other aunt, Carolyn, bake a lot. I picked up skills from both aunts and created my own craft. Then, I threw in some business and managerial skills from my mom and birthed a business.
My mom has been my biggest supporter. I officially gave her the title of “mom-ager” and my 8 year old daughter, the title of “Supervisor.” They help push and motivate me to keep going. Especially my daughter, Bella.
Last year, I wanted to use my gift of cooking to bless my community. I wanted to use my gift for something other than profit. So, I decided to give away free hot meals. Initially, it was supposed to be a one-time thing. But after I saw how many people showed up, I realized there is a real need for it in my community. God put it on my heart to keep it going. I went in with no plan of action. I just knew God spoke to me, and I wanted to be obedient. I went in blind and came out with a vision.
We began to feed our community twice a month with the help of our pastor, Pastor Jeffery Williams. He allows us to use the Life Center at Golden View Baptist Church, free of charge to keep feeding the community. Families are able to come in and sit down to enjoy their meals. My daughter started referring to it as Operation Spread Love Through Food, and we ran with it!
We are starting to branch off and create an anti bullying program for the community. Recently, my daughter was a victim of bullying. My son was also a victim of it last year. Not only did it affect them physically, but it also greatly affected them mentally. We have been brainstorming and putting together ideas on how we can help the kids in our community. Not just the kids being bullied, but the kids that are doing the bullying. We want to offer them resources, counseling, and whatever else they may need as well.
Putting love back in my community is my biggest passion. God has put me on assignment to make a difference right here in my hometown. My family has grown roots here, so it’s important for me to keep watering them. I pray that I can continue to make a difference and keep spreading the love!
Q: Tell us about yourself, including a little bit about where you grew up, your education, your family, interests, passions, and career?
I was born on a military base in Fort Riley, Kansas. We lived in Greenville until 2006, and I’ve been here in Fountain Inn ever since. I graduated in 2009 from Hillcrest High School. My passion is cooking. It’s my therapy. It’s my happy place. I love being able to be creative in the kitchen. I compose recipes like musicians compose songs. There’s excitement in knowing you’ve created something that will put a smile on someone else’s face.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in The Golden Strip?
Since 2006.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
That I write novels using an alias.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in The Golden Strip?
Everyone. Everyone has a story to tell that will leave you with a laugh, a lesson or both!
Q: What current / former local business makes you the most nostalgic about The Golden Strip?
Clocks. When I was a little girl, the building was totally different. But my aunt and I would walk uptown every Saturday. After we finished getting a few groceries from Community Cash, she would buy me a toy from Dollar General. Then, we’d walk over to Clocks and grab lunch.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about The Golden Strip?
Although we’re rapidly expanding with new businesses every week it seems, it still maintains that “small town” feel.
Q: With so much growth in our area, there are always new places popping up. Tell us about the a “new to you” place that you recently tried.
Boba Ocha Tea Company. My daughter loves boba. We usually have to go to Haywood road for it, so we were excited that we got a boba shop right here at home. Not only is it good, the customer service is excellent!
Q: What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME or NEIGHBOR?
Warm, friendly and inviting.
Q: If you had friends or family visiting you from out of town, what is the one place that you must take them to?
Bobby’s BBQ hands down. If I wanted to just entertain them at home, I’d call Autasha Smith-Comfort Food Queen, Shanta Henderson-The Kitchen Tayble or Tot Wakefield-Everything Eggroll to cater the food. Then I’d call Shaterica Salliewhite-k3sweetzzz or Whitney Pollard-Sweetened Whit Love for dessert. I’d need them to have a complete food experience with some of my favorites.
Q: If you had a free day with no plans, what would you do? Or where can we find you on the weekends?
In the kitchen with my 90’s R&B blaring, experimenting & testing recipes!
Q: If you were cast into a major motion picture and had your choice of anyone to be your co-star, who would you choose?
Davinchi
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
To retire my mom, build her a house and put an excessive amount of money into her bank account.
Q: What advice would you give to a crowd of people?
Keep going. No matter how hard it gets, no matter how bad you want to give up, KEEP GOING, keep pushing & keep believing in yourself. You matter. Your dreams matter. If you can envision it, you can achieve it. Let nothing hold you back from your purpose. The sky is the limit!
Q: Who would you like to see nominated for this project, The Faces of The Golden Strip?
Larry Kerns -The Sock Ministry
