My passion, has become reality!

First, and foremost I would like to thank you for taking time, and interest in my fund. I completely understand time is of value.  I would like to start from the start on what brought me along to my journey. I owe three generations of strong women a lot of credit. Growing up little did I know in my childhood years that my great grandmother, grandmother, and mother were teaching me what would become my passion in life. Often the four of us would gather in the kitchen, cooking preparing meals, and enjoying each others company. We laughed, joked, cried, shared stories, and always prayed for everyone when we were togeather in the kitchen. Those were some of the most cherished memories made, that I have carried in my lifetime. My great grandmother, and grandmother lived in the depression area. The two of them had to live very frugal, afterwards it stayed with them, and became part of their lifestyle. I will always remember hearing them say their quotes they had. If you have a dollar, save fifty cents. Don't waste food, there is another purpose for it later. Believe me fruit rhines were kept to make jelly, all veggies went into a five gallon bucket in the freezer, which would become  winter stew, and soup. My great grandmother would sometimes watch me while my mother was working. There was a time or two she fed me bacon grease sandwiches. Back then those were the best sandwiches ever. Their skills in the kitchen, taught me you can take nothing, and turn it into something when cooking. As I got older I knew I wanted to go to work somewhere as a cook. So for years I worked at different places in the kitchen. Working one place for two years, moving onto the next one. I wanted to learn, experience, and share cooking skills by working with others. For me cooking isn't really work, it's my passion, and I enjoy every minute of it. I knew one day I wanted my own restaurant. I wanted to cook, and prepare meals for others. I wanted my restaurant to be affordable for all families to come, enjoy a down home cooked meal. I set myself a goal to save up twenty five thousand dollars. The day I accomplished my goal I was so proud, and excited at the same time. Hard work, dedication, willpower, was all worth it. I am now a proud owner of a restaurant that has been open for a year. I was a nominee for 2022 in the Arkansas food hall of fame. It has been an exciting journey! I know my great grandmother, and mother are looking down at me so proudly cheering me along the way. My grandmother is now 96 years old, and when she walks into my restaurant to eat, it just brings so much joy to my heart. Over the year I have been opened, my money that I saved up was spent on inventory, equipment, repairs, and payroll. I have 18 wonderful employees. I always tell them you don't work for me, you work with me. We are like family, and I love each, and everyone of them. Here lately the struggle has been a little stressful at times. I know over time, with determination everything will work out. If I had just a little more capital, I could do some marketing, purchase some much needed equipment, purchase inventory, and get a sign for the front of the restaurant. I would love to also purchase an ice cream machine, so I could give all the kids free ice cream cones. I want them to grow up remembering the times they came to eat. I would so be greatful, and blessed for any donations to help me along on my journey. I would share my accomplishments, pay it foward, or even pay it back later. I know nothing in life is free, someone somewhere had to work for it. Thank you so much for your time! Have a blessed day! KMH