How accurately does the phrase, I got it from my momma apply to you? I was born in a house of two entrepreneurs. Both of them chose not to work under other people, or in other words, they wanted to be their own boss. So, where do they think I got my boss-like mindset from, YOU mom and dad, you…The following will provide you with where I came from, and why I am the way that I am.

Growing up in a small, family-owned restaurant, my main friends were the older crowds. The reason I say old is because I was all the way back in elementary school. To this day, every time I see them after a few years, they place their hand about two feet above the ground and say, “I remember you when you were this big”. I cannot even tell you how many times I have heard the line. They do help me remember my times as a child – some embarrassing, some adorable, and some I just do not remember but love to hear about.

I have to say, I cannot thank those customers, my friends, for every little thing they have done for me. There are a select few that I consider as my second family. They took me to church, they took me out to lunch, they brought me little trinkets, and they even took family photos with me. One of my biggest joys is seeing them walk through the door at Gravy’s, or seeing them around the town and reminiscing on all the times we had, while catching up on the present and what the future has in store for me. They tell me how proud they are of me, and they have a place in my heart.

My parents taught me the value of money, they taught me the value of hard work, they taught me that complainers never win, and winners never complain. Have you ever heard of tough love? My relationship with my parents is a prime example. What better way to spend time with your family than at work! We do have some rough patches where our personalities clash, and the customers see that, but I consider that as part of the entertainment at a family owned restaurant. People enjoy chaos when they are not a part of it, and that is what our restaurant thrives on, pure organized chaos. At the end of the day, when we all put our feet up, we vent, we laugh, we are family.