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

Hi Jenni, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
In my journey as a chef I’ve learned that you don’t need any kind of formal education to be successful. This is why I have hired women who have been affected by disabilities, economic hardship and sex trafficking. I have the ability to teach these women a skill they can build a career with. Many of these women have been over-looked and turned down because of said experiences. I see this as an opportunity to help someone succeed in life, and give them the change they deserve.

What should our readers know about your business?
Craft & Harmony is a gourmet personal chef company in Dallas, Texas that specializes in everything food – from meal prep to catering and styling events! Our company doesn’t just cook delicious food, we also create themed events that encompass a truly bespoke experience. I am most proud of my recent expansion. Upon my hiring search I realized I was motivated most by helping those in less fortunate situations.

Truly anyone with a desire to learn can cook. You do not need a formal education to be a chef, and some of the top chefs in the world did not go to culinary school. I saw this as an opportunity to teach these women a skill they can build a career with and offer them pay well above minimum wage.

Building my business was not an easy path. In my early stages of cooking after culinary school I had to start at the bottom in the kitchen and take jobs I hated. I was quick to realize that the restaurant industry, low-pay and long hours was not for me.

I was fortunate enough to organically build an audience on Instagram that followed my cooking and dinner parties. Unlike most chefs that only cook, my services extend to table styling, floral arrangements and event design. I love creating an entire theme and experience for my clients.

If there is one thing I want the world to know about my brand is we are breaking barriers, societal norms and using food as a universal language and common bond.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’d say check out a yoga or fitness class at TruFusion, go for a bike ride and picnic at White Rock lake. Have all the oysters and martinis you can handle at Hudson House’s happy hour. Find a patio seat at R&D for lunch. Have a spa and pool day at the Joule downtown. Go shopping at Highland Park Village!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband, Scott has been the biggest support I could ever have. In the moments when I wanted to give up, felt like a failure, and was overwhelmed he encouraged me to keep going. I’m forever grateful for his love and guidance.

Website: www.craftandharmony.com

Instagram: craftandharmony

Image Credits
Image credit – Alex Simones

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