Meet Annie Scott | 911 dispatcher and catering business owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Annie Scott and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi annie, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Balancing work and personal life is a challenge for anyone, but when you’re juggling a career as a 911 dispatcher and owning a catering business, it requires a unique level of dedication and time management. For the past 10 years, I have navigated the ups and downs of maintaining both roles, constantly adjusting and adapting to meet the demands of each.
Being a 911 dispatcher means dealing with high-stress situations, long hours, and unpredictable shifts. It’s a role that requires unwavering focus, quick decision-making, and a calm demeanor under pressure. On the other hand, owning a catering business requires creativity, meticulous planning, and consistent effort to deliver quality service and delicious food. Each role is demanding in its own right, and together they form a balancing act that requires intention and resilience.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My journey to where I am today has not been easy. In the beginning, I often found myself stretched too thin, sacrificing sleep and personal time to meet the demands of both careers. There were moments when I questioned whether I could keep up with both, but my passion for helping others and my love for cooking kept me going. I pushed through challenges by staying organized, building a support system, and allowing myself the grace to make mistakes and learn from them.
The art of cooking is more than just preparing food—it is a form of expression, creativity, and love. Cooking allows me to tell a story through flavors, textures, and presentation. It is a craft that requires patience, intuition, and a deep understanding of ingredients. Every dish I create is infused with passion and care, reflecting my dedication to the culinary world. Whether it’s a simple meal or an elaborate catering event, I see each plate as an opportunity to bring people together and create memorable experiences.
One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned along the way is that balance doesn’t mean equal distribution of time between work and personal life. It’s about finding harmony and making choices that align with my values and goals. I’ve learned to delegate tasks within the catering business and lean on a my family to handle events when my dispatcher duties take precedence. I’ve also embraced the importance of self-care, whether it’s taking a quiet moment after a long shift or experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.
What sets me apart is my ability to maintain dedication and passion in two very different fields. I am proud of how far I’ve come and the resilience I’ve built through balancing both careers. My story is about perseverance, adaptability, and staying true to what I love. I hope to inspire others to pursue their passions, no matter how challenging the path may seem. With determination and the willingness to learn from every experience, it is possible to thrive in both work and personal life.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am a foodie at heart, always searching for new culinary experiences and adding to my ever-growing list of must-try food spots. Being from Galveston, Texas, I’ve had the privilege of exploring an incredible variety of restaurants, from the charming spots in downtown to the vibrant dining scene along the seawall. If I were to recommend a food-focused getaway, I would definitely suggest spending a couple of days here, soaking in the flavors and culture of my hometown.
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?
I’d like to dedicate this to my family. My parents have been some of my biggest supporters throughout my journey. My uncle, Joseph Wilkins, has played a significant role in why I chose to pursue catering. Growing up, I watched him create beautiful dishes, and his passion for cooking inspired me deeply. He was a longtime chef at a restaurant called Benno’s in Galveston, Texas. I truly wish he were still with us today so I could pay homage to his influence and the impact he had on my life and career.
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