$42 and Faith
I was out catching up with Sheri over coffee (Irish) a few nights ago when we met a very sweet, interesting young woman. Her name is Chef Tre'. She was wearing head-to-toe chef garb and I got the feeling she had been pounding the pavement in it, ready to work on the spot if needed. She looked tired and weary, but she smiled and laughed anyway and talked vibrantly about her plans and hopes for the future. Chef Tre filled us in on all the businesses she was ready to get off the ground (she's a cheesecake artisan, a personal chef, and runs an awesome business called "Romantic Embers" which I would totally use if I had any embers in the fire!) - all great ideas that could really work if given the right kind of exposure.
She, like most people in New Orleans, had a story to tell. She had driven from Birmingham just a few days prior to our meeting. She said she left with what clothes she could carry, her kid, a full tank of gas, and "$42 and faith." That struck me and keeps ringing in my ears. $42 and faith. I'm not one for faith. As an atheist, skeptic and misanthrope, I just don't make room for it. But, while listening to her tell her stories, I had no doubt that we could do something for her. I had every faith that the people of New Orleans will not fail her in her time of need. That was a new feeling to me. The feeling of faith in something, in this city. I don't know what she was leaving behind in Birmingham, but I know that she is ready for New Orleans to welcome her warmly and give her opportunity.
So, Sheri and I concocted an idea for an in-home brunch this Sunday, pre-Saints, to get the ball rolling on her dreams.
The details:
When: Sunday, October 25th, 11:30 AM
Where: Sheri will host at her house in the Irish Channel.
Who: TAKE NOTE: THIS EVENT IS OPEN TO EVERYBODY AND ANYBODY, NOT ONE SPECIFIC GROUP. First come, first served. Currently, we have 6 signed up and would like to sign up 6-9 more.
It will be $15 per person and we also ask that you bring some cheap champagne or orange juice for mimosas. Or whatever it is that you would like to drink with your meal. We'll have coffee and other beverage fare, as well.
Chef Tre' is IN. When I called her to ask if she'd be interested she said "Where and what time?" She's so very excited to do this. To encourage her independent businesses, we would like for attendees to take a minute and listen to the fun services she offers and hopefully throw a little business her way.
You can always email me for more details or to RSVP: champsuperstar@gmail
Or find me on Twitter and @ reply or DM to @champsuperstar
Thanks for your help with Chef Tre'. I am positive after this she will be encouraged and inspired.
Regards,
Champ
