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

Hi Tenille, what makes you happy? Why?
Food! That’s such an insane answer, but it’s an honest one. I find so much joy in cooking and baking. Combining flavors and different ingredients together to make something magical brings me legitimate joy. There have been times when I’ve created something so simple yet delicious that it brings tears to my eyes- and not because it’s necessarily the best thing on earth but because I know that the person who gets to eat this, the person who gets to experience what I just made will enjoy it and feel that there was intention and love behind what they just bit into.

What should our readers know about your business?
Arugula and Rye isn’t just a boxed lunch company offering standard sandwiches and salads. Our sandwiches and salads are created to evoke a feeling of freshness that fits all dietary needs. Our boxes evoke a sense of intentionality the When you order a boxed lunch, you have to get the drinks or sides separately, but our boxes come with literally everything you need. From your entree (sandwich or salad) all the way down to utensils, including a wet nap (clean hands, hello!). Our dressings and spreads are made from scratch and and our produce is always of quality. Even our cookies are top-tier.

It wasn’t easy. I’m generally an anxious person, though I hide it well so I used to always feel like what I was making or doing wasn’t good enough. Sometimes I still struggle with watching people eat my food or treats! I’m still working through it – probably need therapy lol But having a community of people and SOOO MUCH POSITIVE feedback does help. Also reminding myself of my end goal – a bistro and marketplace where people can enjoy tasty food and buy the spreads and dressings to enjoy at home.

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?
This is tough because what my bestie and I consider fun are the most random and possibly boring things to others. We’re the type of people who will literally sit in one another’s presence in absolute silence and be utterly content until one of us suggests that we should eat. We also have a love/hate relationship with nature. So with that being said…
We’d need to visit my favorite bookstore- Kindred Stories- to load up on some books. We’re both avid readers, and I’m a firm believer that you can never have enough books. At some point, we’d head over to Love Croissants because why not.. We’d most likely hit up a few different coffee shops while she’s here – Blendin, Fellowship Coffee Co, Le Drip and Pearland Coffee Roasters just to name a couple of my favorites. Pearland Roasters would have to be the last stop before she’d head home… This is where I get my beans, so I’d need to send her back home with a bag or two.

I’d also have her visit Buffalo Bayou Park, to read and enjoy a spread of crusty bread, stinky cheese (the best kind!), salamis and all of the general charcuterie favorites – we’re basic and not ashamed of it.

Kayaking at some point – gotta get her on a tour of the Houston skyline on the Bayou.

I’d do most of the cooking while she’s here, but a few nights we’d most likely explore Asiantown – we like to pick random spots, walk in and order a few tings and give it a go.

annnnd most likely spend way too much time on my couple planning the Sims on our devices with a cheesy movie playing in the background.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The SHE CAN WORK Foundation and the SHE CAN WORK Sisterhood. Now I may be biased because the Founder of SHE CAN WORK is my sister BUT the community and programming that she built not only allowed me to feel confident and secure on this entrepreneur journey, but also provided me with a community of women who understand exactly what I’m going through and can offer insight and support.

Website: https://arugulaandrye.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arugulaandrye

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tenille-hunter-02903077/

Image Credits
Taylor M. Hayden

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.