For any of you entrepreneurs out there, you will certainly remember the planning phase of your business. Once you think you have your plan tied up in a tidy little package with brown paper and string, it morphs! Mind you, change is good. However, when you are trying to formulate a life changing plan the change needs to take a mild sedative for crying out loud! During the early summer months of 2012, I had my heart set on a prepared foods business. While it would’ve have been a blast, it would have also brought hurdles I was not ready to jump. I just knew I needed to play with my food! Granddaddy used to say “the more you stir shit, the more it stinks.” Well, that pot of shit had been stirred alright. You know, come to think of it, why does it have to be shit? Let’s call it a pot of fragrant rosemary, cannellinis! Rosemary is one of my favorite smells, so work with me. At any rate, I spent the summer having friends for dinner each weekend. We would roll around my ideas for my business. One August evening, Pank and I entertained my sweet friend and co-owner of Sole Mio Debra Agnoletti. We had Mahi Tacos with freshly made corn tortillas, avocado slaw and jalapeno black beans. I finished with house made cinnamon ice cream. We had some more fun that night! Debra exclaimed that I needed to be in food and she wanted to help me get there! Debra is now not only my friend, but my client!
So, I jump ahead several months. This picture was taken at the Neuhoff complex in Germantown. The sunset was breathtaking that early autumn evening. As I drove to watch my sweet friend, Debra, sing in a Nashville Jazz Workshop performance, I was filled with gratitude. Not only am I grateful for Debra believing in me, but I am grateful for the support of all my friends and family as I have come full circle. I have searched high and low for just the right sources. Along the way, I have come to know and love many farmers, artisans and purveyors. My network of marketing resources, colleagues, mentors and friends are such a gift.
This sunset picture reminds me of what life has to offer. None of us can go this thing alone and if we are open to one another, the ride can be incredible!