I grew up in a small town in South Texas, raised mostly by my grandparents. After attending Baylor for college, I moved to Newport Beach with some friends from school. My plan was only to stay for a couple of years, but God had other plans for me. I’ve been here for almost 25 years and after spending a few years in commercial real estate, I ended up staying home to raise my children. My true passion is cooking and having fun in the kitchen. I now have my own catering company, Southern Belly Kitchen, which allows me to cook for others and share in all of their special life moments.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am blessed with two amazing children, a 17 year-old boy and a 14 year-old girl.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
After hanging up my real estate license after having children, I decided to pursue my real passion which is cooking. I started catering for friends and family, helping them cook for parties and events just because I loved cooking and being able to provide delicious and memorable food without friends having to break the bank. In 2012, I donated a dinner party to my children’s school auction. They loved it and someone from that party called me for the next weekend, and someone from that party called me the next. So was born Southern Belly Kitchen.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
My favorite restaurants in our community are Gulfstream, Fable & Spirit and Folk’s.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have lived in Newport for almost 25 years.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
My neighbor, Nikki Chase. She’s the most positive, light-filled person with a crazy zest for life, despite her daily challenges.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I could watch Sweet Home Alabama or the Devil Wears Prada over and over and over again…. those movies never get old! And of course Lonesome Dove, my all time favorite movie.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Smile at everyone you see. Strangers, kids, every one. Rarely will you not get a smile back and how good does it feel to make someone else smile? It’s so simple but such an easy way to spread goodness in the world and it doesn’t cost a thing.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why?
If I could have lunch with anyone in the world today, it would be Lainey Wilson. She is a modern day Dolly Parton and seems like she would be a barrel of laughs!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
My favorite thing about our community is that despite the population, it still has a very small town feel. People are friendly generally and I feel so fortunate that I get to live in a place that for many is a dream vacation spot!
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Hopefully with a thriving business and two happy and healthy grown children.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I feel like I’m an open book, what you see is what you get!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
The chopped salad at Folk’s Pizzeria.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My children definitely inspire me to be better. I want to be a good role model for them so that they grow up to be kind and loving people.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
“Warm and filled with love”, “Home cooking” and “Texas”
