Apr 17 2008
Paula Deen: An Original Mompreneur
I’m taking a Master’s class about Executive Leadership and my assignment last week was to put together a presentation about an executive leader in the entertainment business. Lots of names came to mind, but I chose Paula Deen because she represents what I call an “overnight entrepreneur.” And, she’s a mom.
Paula Deen is an original mompreneuer. She’s enjoying success today because of a lot of hard work in order to take care of her sons. Here’s why Paula is an inspiration to women and moms.
- Devastation Leads to Action
After 20 years of marriage, Paula Deen was faced with a devastating divorce, and the need to find a way to make a living to support her two young sons and teenage brother. All she’d know to this point in her life is how to cook and care for people, but she needed skills — and fast. Money was tight; she only had $200 and no business skills. This didn’t stop Paula from digging down deep to survive with the only thing she knew; cooking. (source: Paula’s Story.) - Overcoming Obstacles
She had no money, no formal education, and a disease that kept her indoors. (source: Paula’s Story.) A New York Times article quotes Paula on her agoraphobia:Some days I could get to the supermarket, but I could never go too far inside,” Ms. Deen said. “I learned to cook with the ingredients they kept close to the door.”
- Believing In Herself
Paula believed in herself and self-published her first cookbook. Since that time she has had multiple cookbooks published along with a new memoir and is the Editor-in-Chief of a magazine. - Taking the Good With the Bad
- Take Control of Your Life
- Do What You Love
Paula sums it up great on her Web site:
But, you know what, none of this would have happened if I hadn’t of taken the good with the bad, embraced both the heartache and joy, and taken control of my life when I thought it could not have gotten worse.”
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I’ve never thought of Paula Deen as a Mompreneuer before but of course you’re right! Thank you for sharing this. I agree with you, she is very inspiring to Moms, especially those touched by divorce and face single parenting.
Paula’s a great gal & very genuine. I met her a number of years ago before telelvison when she was just a regular Savannah belle. I took a cooking class from her and picked up some great tips - and probably a few on what NOT to do in the kitchen - like add heavy cream & butter to everything! She’s definitely a devoted mom & grandmom, that’s for sure.
Julie, I think you are right about the fact that she’s very genuine. I think that’s what has helped in her success!