We had the good fortune of connecting with Janette Martin and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Janette, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?
One of the things that makes the happiest is seeing people’s reactions whenever they take a bite into something I’ve created. For me….it’s euphoric!!! My why is simply…..I enjoy seeing other people happy. It’s the best feeling in the world.
What should our readers know about your business?
Jan’s Plated Provisions is more of a Personal Culinary Concierge Service. What sets me apart from others is my meticulous attention to details. I truly believe that we eat with our eyes first so for me it has to look appealing before I’d even consider eating it. I utilize a Food Stylist approach with my photos. In my opinion it makes the food “pop”. A visual culinary experience is the key to whether a consumer would consider doing business with you. A beautiful picture is worth a thousand words. I’m most proud of having honed and carved out something that I most enjoy into a second career for myself. I have gotten to where I am today by taking a risk in deciding to add a spin off on an already existing dessert business I’ve operated since 2004. It definitely has had it’s challenges. Having been known as a dessert business for many years people knew me only in that lane. For some it was hard to see me outside of that. To overcome this I believed that my savory meals had to grab em’. That’s where the food styling came into play. I also started referring to myself as “The Foodie” and using it as a hashtag in all of my social media accounts. Lessons I’ve learned along the way…..If you believe in yourself enough to put your vision into the universe sooner or later others will believe in you too. What I want the world to know about my story is that none of this came easy. I decided to follow my passion because I was tired of being unhappy. I simply became what someone once told me….”If you don’t like things as they are….change them”. The narrative is still being written but I’m enjoying the journey.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Houston is massive!!! I’d definitely take a friend out to the Woodlands area. The mall is awesome with great restaurants for dining purposes–Cheesecake Factory, Flemings, P.F. Changs, Peli Peli South African Kitchen are just a few of many. In close proximity is the Cynthia Woods Pavilion which is a venue that hosts music concerns throughout the year. Houston Galleria cannot be overlooked. It is a shopaholic’s delight!!!! Food, high end to moderately priced shopping and an ice skating rink on the lower level of the mall. The mall is surrounded by eateries in close proximity to include: Fig and Olive, a “snooty” French restaurant, Nobu for your Japanese cravings and Del Frisco’s Steakhouse. For a fun and quirky experience we’d visit the upper and lower Kirby areas with walkability and quick in and out mom and pop spots. We can’t forget about the historic Houston Heights. Liberty Kitchen & Oyster Bar, Pinks Pizza and Dish Society would be our top picks. We’d also check out the old historic homes that have been completely renovated. We’ll put on our walking shoes and head out to Downtown Houston to explore the Downtown Aquarium owned by billionaire Tillman Fertitta, then head over to Discovery Green a tourist venue that always has fun activities lined up. The Fine Arts and Natural Arts Museums are worth exploring as well.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Well…My primary cheerleaders have been my sons Dion and Adrian. One might say that they’re biased having eaten a lot of food I’ve prepared but they truly believe in me!!! Adrian, my youngest son is my unofficial “accountability partner”. He’s constantly asking me what I’m doing to propel my business to the next level. My two longtime friends from elementary and middle school have also been in my corner with compliments and affirmations that I’m more than capable of making things happen. In addition I have a lot of Facebook friends who encourage and compliment my work. The saying “It takes a village” is true….I absolutely have that.
Website: https://www.jansplatedprovisions.com
Instagram: plated99
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChefJanMarie/
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