Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Parker.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Stephanie. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’ve been raised with a passion for hospitality, food, and family. Growing up, I knew I wanted to work in the food industry but I wasn’t sure what that ultimately looked like. I had big dreams of opening up my own restaurant someday. I got my degree from SDSU for Restaurant Operations, worked in management at a few restaurants and breweries around town, got married and packed up and moved to San Francisco with my husband. It was in San Francisco that I was really inspired by the local food scene, the accessibility to chef-driven restaurants, the community’s commitment to their farmer’s markets, artisan food producers… people ate, drank and shopped with intention and I was hooked.
When we moved back to San Diego three years later, the culinary scene had grown so much since we left. Restaurants were buying from local farmers, sourcing their meats and seafood responsibly, being more health and environmentally conscious– I was so happy to see this! I knew San Diego had some amazing growers and food and beverage producers, and I set my goal to connect people to them through our tours and events. I took my skill set and turned it into a passion, hosting people from all over the world and inspiring them to shop locally where ever home is.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
We’ve had our ups and downs– but that’s the fun about entrepreneurship! Its a constant process of trial and error and pivoting your business when needed.
My advice for women starting their entrepreneurship journey is to not give up. When you think you’re in the thick of it at a low, its because you’re turning a corner to greatness. Envision your end goal as your reality, talk about it in the present tense. Find a group of people that are on this journey and lean on each other for advice, masterminding or meet at a coffee shop and just work! Being around other solopreneurs is inspiring!
Please tell us about Epicurean San Diego.
We curate custom experiences that are unique to our clients to cultivate connection not only within their group but within our community as well. We love to connect people to our favorite local folks around town who are committed to sharing their passion, educating our guests and creating a space for them to eat, drink and indulge along the way.
We are dedicated to working with only locally owned businesses because to me, that is what sets cities apart from each other– the people and their passion! Making sure there is alignment within company ethos and mission is important to us, because truthfully to me, if you’re a small business owner, you are part of something much larger than yourself! We also take into consideration the environmental impact of our events and include zero-waste services in everything we do.
Often it feels as if the media, by and large, is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, but we feel it’s important to also look for the opportunities. In your view, are there opportunities that you see that women are particularly well-positioned for?
Empower each other! Most of my friends on an entrepreneurial journey are women and that gets me amped up! I am so happy to see the focus, drive and intentional mindset that these women have to follow their dreams. We can get way more accomplished when we support each other and lift each other up. Surround yourself with women that inspire you, find your tribe, rally around each other, have thought-provoking conversations. In good company, you can learn a lot about yourself and grow as an individual and small business owner.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.epicureansandiego.com
- Phone: 619-289-9802
- Email: stephanie@epicureansandiego.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/epicureansandiego
- Facebook: facebook.com/epicureansandiego
Image Credit:
Miranda Raya, Colin Leibold
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