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

Hi Jen, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve been in the food service/culinary world pretty much my entire life in one capacity or another! When the pandemic hit in 2020 I was working for a catering company, that ended pretty quick, like everything else associated with the restaurant industry. So I took advantage of the slow down for a while, but I can’t sit still for very long. I had previously provided meal prep services for my friends & family, so I reached out to everyone to see if they were interested in ordering from me on a weekly basis and everyone was in. So there began my entrepreneurial journey in July 2020. I’ve been in learning mode ever since and I’m not sure that will ever stop!!

What should our readers know about your business?
My business and myself are focused on putting a healthy spin on all the classic favorites. I’m personally dairy free and 85% of my menu is dairy free or has the option to be. I love cooking vegan food (although I’m not vegan) since it’s aways dairy free, I can still enjoy all of my favorites like mushroom stroganoff, mac n cheese, creamy soups and my all time favorite quesadillas!! I am most proud of actually taking the chance on myself and starting my own business. I didn’t know very much about starting a business, but I sure have learned a lot along the way. It has not been easy, but I didn’t go into this thinking that it would be. In fact, the challenges and obstacles I’ve faced along the way have been some of my best teachers. It took me a little while but I have finally found my culinary family and my mentor. Having people on my side to encourage me, teach me and help me learn has been amazing and helped me grow in my business and personally. My biggest lessoned learned has been the importance of keeping accurate books and knowing exactly where everything is going and how much it cost. I want everyone to know that I will never give up and neither should they! The world has an ever lasting abundance of success, happiness, money, opportunities, mentors and people willing to help you along the way. When you start putting yourself and your dreams out there the universe sends you everything you need!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My absolute favorite place to go is White Rock Lake! It’s definitely my happy place and I love to show people that a beautiful lake with wildlife, native foliage, running and biking paths and a kick a*s dog park can exist right in the middle of big city! I always take people for drinks to City Tavern in downtown Dallas and Twilite Lounge in Deep Ellum. The Dallas Aquarium and The Arboretum are always a must for any of my outta town guests. If we have time, I’m always up for a drive to Austin and Barton Springs.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
So many people have been there for me along the way that it’s hard to narrow it down to to just one person, book or organization. But I have to give a huge shout out to my entire family, especially my parents for always believing in me and encouraging me to keep going even when I wanted to quit. My family has always been the constant in my life no matter what I was pursuing. The culinary program at El Centro where I graduated from in 2018 was a key component to my culinary education. All my instructors were there to make sure I succeeded and I’ll always be grateful for all of them. My biggest mentors to date are Chef Teri & Kam De Leon of DELEON PROVISIONS. These ladies have taken me under their wings and helped me grow in leaps and bounds beyond what I thought I could accomplish and learn. Always there to help me navigate the catering business and only wanting everyone, myself included, to be successful and profitable. I am more than blessed to have been introduced to these amazing gals and I’m looking forward to a lifetime friendship!!

 

Website: localhealthyhappy.com

Instagram: @whiterockprovisions

Twitter: @ChefJenJones

Facebook: www.facebook.com/whiterockprovisions

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