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

Hi Jessica, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The biggest thought process behind starting Prepped By Jess was one of change. I was ready to help be the change in other people’s lives because I felt like that’s what God was calling me to do. It was time to turn my passion of cooking into a reality.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Prepped By Jess is a meal prep and catering company founded in 2017. What sets my business apart from others is the fact that I put my love, my heart and my soul into my cooking. Cooking for me is more than just following a recipe. When I get into the kitchen it’s a spiritual experience. It’s therapy that just so happens to make me money. I never got into this business for the money though. I got into this business because I wanted to create change in peoples lives through food. I wanted to help make a difference. I’ve been very clear since day one about wanting to help people reach their health goals. There is truly a sense of fulfillment that I get from being the person who is instrumental in helping someone lose weight or reach whatever target goal they’re seeking. I got where I am today by learning the craft of cooking. I always knew that I had a passion for cooking but when I decided to start my business, I then decided to go and enroll in culinary school so that I could acquire the accreditation and credentials necessary. I am still currently enrolled in culinary school and I’m working to obtain my culinary arts degree. Believe me when I say that this journey has definitely not been easy. I’ve had to overcome so many challenges since starting my business. I lost my father in December 2018 which was by far the most difficult challenge I believe a person could ever go through. Not to mention, fast forward to 2020, and we had to endure and are still enduring a whole pandemic. For someone who has a food business the pandemic completely shifted and altered the trajectory of my business. But since being in this pandemic one thing that I’ve learned is to make the most out of your situation. Proceed with caution in everything you do and always keep your intentions pure when making decisions.

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?
For a week of fun I’d definitely recommend getting some good food! This is the south and it’s currently crawfish season! Go to The Turkey Leg Hut and get some good crawfish! Go to brunch at Phil & Dereks or Lucille’s. Take the opportunity to visit the Houston Museum of African-American Culture. Try and catch the Blck Market Houston shopping experience where they offer 50+ black vendors to shop from. Also, take a stroll down the seawall in Galveston, that never fails! Before you leave, order some meal prep to take back home from Prepped By Jess.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I give credit to my mom for her unwavering support of my business and giving me quintessential tips to make me an efficient business owner. I also give credit to my late father for providing with the spirit of a chef.

Website: http://bit.ly/orderpreppedbyjess

Instagram: @preppedbyjess

Facebook: @preppedbyjess

Image Credits
Rogelio Orozco

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