It’s Just Down Home Cooking
“I was always cooking for people and doing things of that nature on the side. So, once I started my business, I put my whole heart into it”
Moreland Resource Consulting introduces entrepreneur Shannen Wise, owner of Momma’s Country Kitchen. Shannen and her husband, Ken, were high school sweethearts and have been married for almost thirty years. The couple lives in Hillsboro and is the proud parents of adult sons Lamar and Joshua. Her son Lamar recently announced that he's running for Oregon Senate, District 15.
How It All Started . . .
In 1995, Ken accepted a position with Intel Corp, and the family moved from Houston, Texas, to Hillsboro, Oregon. Shannen says, "it was a brand-new experience for us." Shannen describes herself as funny, hard-working, and loyal. But even with these positive attributes, life has its challenges. Being originally from Texas, her first year in Oregon was difficult. “When I moved here and started saying hi and talking to people, they looked at me as if I was crazy, and I was thinking, where am I? When we arrived in Oregon, we moved to Hillsboro, and it was not diverse at all." Shannen commented,
Shannen and Ken ultimately found community when they joined Mount Olivet Baptist Church. She believes that putting herself into ministry and making new friends helped her become more comfortable living in Oregon.
For The Love of Cooking…
Her career journey included training as a medical assistant at a local technical college in Houston. Upon her arrival in Oregon, she attended Portland Community College. However, Shannen's love for cooking and mad cooking skills led her to a catering business.
In 2012, Shannen started a soul food catering business, Momma’s Country Kitchen. Shannen reminisces about working as a teacher's assistant for years before starting her business. She stated, “The place where I was working had some challenges with their curriculum, and I questioned the effectiveness of the program. In the summer of 2012, I decided that before school was back into session, that I was not going back.”
Shannen took a giant leap of faith because she did not have anything lined up. She said, “I was always cooking for people and doing things of that nature on the side. So, once I started my business, I put my whole heart into it,” Shannen states.
Catering Done Shannen’s Way…
When asked how she balances work and family life, Shannen explains that her family and work-life balance are going pretty well right now. “My boys are all grown-up, so I do not have that much responsibility. Owning a business allows me the flexibility to determine what I can and cannot do. If I have something going on, for instance, appointments or errands, I will say no, I'm not available.”
Shannen’s Outlook and Legacy…
Shannen's outlook on life centers on knowing that God has equipped her for what he's called her to do. She is focused on making sure she follows through with God's plan for her life. Anyone who meets Shannen can sense her warmth. When asked what she wants her legacy to entail, Shannen says, “I was kind to people and took care of my family; those are the most important things."
What Advice Would You Give the Younger Generation . . .
Her advice for the younger generations is that sometimes you have to do things you don't want to do for your life to go the way you envision. Shannen often encourages her sons by telling them that she had to accept a job that she felt did not align with her career path. But ultimately, every step prepared her for what she is doing now. Shannen believes that even though things are not 100% or suitable, you can still learn something from the situation, which will help you move forward. Finally, she shares.
Closing remarks . . .
“I would also tell the younger generation that God is real and trust God; without God, I do not believe any of this would exist.”
Photo courtesy of Mommascountrykitchen.com
Shannen's slogan is "Just down-home cooking." For more information about Momma's Country Kitchen, please go to: www.mommascountrykitchen.com
