Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeanette Terry
Hi Jeanette, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I grew up in a family with a deep appreciation for food, both in the way it is prepared and the people with whom we enjoy it. Memories are often tied to meals in our family and I am passionate about reclaiming the kitchen as the heart of the home and dinner tables as the place to gather with loved ones.
I attended UNC Chapel Hill and double-majored in Psychology and Communications, which was a great way to spend my four years there, but it didn’t exactly point me on a specific career path. After graduation in 2003, I worked for a few years at a law firm as a litigation paralegal and realized my work was not my passion and I wanted both if possible. I took a chance on pursuing something I have always loved and applied to the Culinary Arts program at Johnson & Wales University. I soaked up every minute of it, learning skills, engaging with instructors, and interning at local restaurants and catering companies. After graduation in 2007, I got married and moved to Greenville.
As our family grew and we made Greenville our home, I continued to work in food service, honing skills, and growing to love this town. What started as one client asking me to prepare a few meals for her on the side, eventually grew into Wild Abandon Kitchen. I now have the privilege of serving dozens of households each week, preparing fresh scratch made meals, and helping them to reclaim their dinner tables on even the busiest of nights. I also provide small event catering services and teach private classes as well.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Different seasons of life have posed different challenges. Early in our marriage, it was tough to work such different hours. The hours in the food service industry are often at odds with the standard work schedule my husband kept. Later as we welcomed two daughters, the challenge shifted to figuring out a balance between working the business and being home for our girls. And most recently, it’s become more about learning to say no to good opportunities or recognizing where to step back in order to maintain margin for our family life. I am quick to say yes because new challenges and big opportunities excite me. My husband is definitely the calm and collected thinker who helps me reign it in for the sake of our family and household dynamics. Things will no doubt look different in another few years, but I am grateful to have the ability to adjust when necessary and to have my husband as a sounding board.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Cooking for others seems to take ego and humility in equal parts. You’re creating from a place of confidence, yet putting it out there for others to either appreciate or critique. But ultimately I get incredible satisfaction working with my hands, seeing ingredients and flavors come together, and tasting a completed dish that just makes you want to dance around your kitchen!
Weekly meals are my primary service. I enjoy creating a new menu each week, balancing long time client favorites and also introducing new items and fresh flavors. It brings me incredible joy to help these families get dinner on the table each night. To know they trust me to be part of making that happen is a privilege.
Catering small events and private dinners is such a treat as well. These intimate events allow me to customize an experience for my clients. From baby showers to holiday parties to multi-course private dinners, it’s always fun to create a party menu. Is it even a party without the food?
And sometimes we just need some inspiration to get back in our kitchens. My classes focus on ingredients and techniques that will give you confidence in the kitchen and bring variety to your dinners. Good food shouldn’t be complicated. Often it’s simply the combination of good technique and the right products. I’m here to teach you both!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wildabandonkitchen.com
- Instagram: @wildabandonkitchen
