My first job at 15 was in the dining room of a nursing home, serving meals to residents in the final season of their lives. As someone just beginning my own journey, I found myself in daily conversations with those nearing the end of theirs. I absorbed their wisdom, witnessed the fragility and beauty of life, and developed a deep respect for the truths that only time can reveal. This experience became a cornerstone in my personal growth and sparked a lasting hunger for wisdom and perspective.
From there, I ventured into other chapters of the food industry: delivering pizzas on Super Bowl Sunday, working the window at Chick-fil-A, and ultimately serving distinguished guests at Sushi Nami in Sandy Springs, Georgia.
Each role, whether humble or high-end, sharpened my work ethic and deepened my understanding of service. The food industry taught me how to anticipate needs, work under pressure, and connect with people from all walks of life: lessons that continue to guide me far beyond the dining room.