Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenny Niezgoda.
Jenny, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am originally from Texas. Growing up in the South, family meals were a big deal. When my mom or grandma called us in for dinner, I was always in charge of setting the table and “taking the orders.” I loved playing chef, server and being her right-hand helper in the kitchen. I grew up in a small town just east of Dallas where everyone knows everyone. Community forever ingrained in my life.
Fast forward a few years. In middle school, I wanted to be a veterinarian. My love for animals started at a very young age. I sometimes wonder if I have more compassion for animals than for humans. Just kidding. However, for people that know me, I have always been a little humorous and witty. My dad would say I got that from him. On a serious note. My connection to animals has always been a big part of my life.
Fast forward to high school. Once I realized the amount of science and schooling, it would take to pursue this childhood veterinarian dream, I went back to the drawing board. I have always loved people. I love connection, networking, traveling and just the pure internal joy I get from meeting new people, experiencing new places, trying new food and exploring new cultures. When I learned that I could major in Public Relations, I jumped on board, throw in a minor in Spanish and there, I was with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism/PR and a minor in Spanish. In 2008, I was ready to conquer the world. Only the economy was tanking. I had previously visited San Diego on a spring break trip and had fallen hard for her beauty. Southern California was a DREAM for this small-town Texas girl.
I did what any educated person would do (insert laughing emoji). Loaded up a U Haul and headed west for more, to follow my dream. Since the job market was tough, I decided to work in the restaurant/hospitality industry for a few more years until I could land a “real job.” During this time, I met some key people in the industry that have now become my mentors. I landed my first corporate job as a District Manager at a Wine and Spirits Distribution company based in Orange County. I juggled my “real corporate job” and working in restaurants, attained certification as a holistic health coach at IIN, and said goodbye to my last grandparent. Almost five years in, I finally reached my breaking point. My creative soul was internally dying!
In 2014, I did what seems to be the trend these days. I quit my good paying job, packed up my apartment in La Jolla, sold my car and booked a one-way flight to Mexico. Then, to Hawaii, Thailand, Bali, Australia, New Zealand and eventually returned back to Southern California in 2016.
In 2016, I created Al Fresko. Handcrafted Culinary Experiences. My vision was to create more of an experience than just another event with boring catered food. Al Fresko seemed fitting because of my love for the outdoors and the ocean. With a recently expanded mind and so many new culinary influences, the creative juices were flowing. I would see these extravagant picnics when I was living in Byron Bay. The health food in Bali was so abundant and beautiful. The warmth of the Mexican culture was incredible. These were all pieces to the puzzle that I did not realize I was collecting along the way.
The transition from Texas to California and my travels in-between have shown me so much more value in not only feeding, but also nourishing the body, and that instinctive human need for connection. It has always been my passion to bring people together over a good meal or “grazing” table. The idea that it is now my purpose and business in life is incredible. It fills my heart to know what a sense of community that brings, especially knowing that my passion is the joining factor.
Growing up, I learned that giving back is the key to life. I provide quality foods that are not only good for the body, but also for the community around me. Being a holistic health coach, I teach people that we must know where our food is coming from. The source is so important. I shop local farmer’s markets, local businesses and support small farms so that I know where each ingredient is from. Remembering also to give back to the community that gives me so much. We work with Venissimo Cheese, Jackie’s Jams, Wayfarer Bread and JR Organics just to name a few! Every grazing table, platter, and box is unique to what is in season and fresh and handcrafted!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Since starting Al Fresko, from an operational standpoint, it has been a fairly smooth road, but we also have a long road ahead. The biggest challenge or struggle I faced on my journey to creating Al Fresko were the barriers I created in my own mind. The biggest piece of advice I received a few years ago was that the ACTION sets people apart. You have to put one foot in front of the other and figure it out as you go. NO ONE ever has all the answers in the beginning. Just begin, start somewhere, where you are, with what you have. You can figure things out as the business grows. Since creating Al Fresko. I had always juggled other projects and side gigs. “No way I can get paid and make a living off styling food and creating pretty tables.” Those are the stories I would tell myself.
I think I let fear get in the way of really pursuing my dreams in the past, As soon as I let the fear go, left my job (again) and made Al Fresko my priority, the business blossomed like crazy. We are now busier than ever and have some really fun features and collaborations coming up! My natural ability to connect with people has helped me organically grow this business, we work purely off of referrals. I thank God for guiding me and giving me the faith and confidence to pursue what I was put here to do and share my gifts and love for good food with others!
Please tell us about Al Fresko- Handcrafted Culinary Experiences – what should we know?
Al Fresko is at the forefront of meaningful consumption. We inspire gatherings to be natural, communal and relaxed with a custom culinary centerpiece. By sourcing the freshest local ingredients, our handcrafted spreads are vibrant and truly unique to each event experience.
We believe that food should not only taste great but that it should also be a feast for the eyes. Our lavish abundant grazing tables and seasonal platters are perfect for any social gathering.
These decorative feasts think farm to table charcuterie, set the tone for a stunning event intended to really impress your guests with delicious delights. We offer our gourmet grazing tables in different styling options and include various things like artisanal worldly cheeses, prosciutto & genoa salami, fresh fruit & dried fruit, nuts & olives & gherkins, crackers & rustic loaves, jam, plus our secret signature items.
What sets us apart is the personalization we provide for every single client and his or her specific needs. This process helps create long-lasting relationships and happy clients that return time after time. Our attention to the details and tablescape are a foodies dream! We encourage hosts to think outside of the box and treat guests to a new way of gathering!
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
A quality that has made Al Fresko very successful is the personal attention to detail, professionalism and exquisite taste. From the way the cheese is styled to the edible floral garnishes, we do not overlook any details.
Another essential quality would be the fine foods we choose.
OUR DISPLAYS ARE MADE MADE UP OF WORLDLY CHEESES, LOCALLY SOURCED PRODUCE, CURED MEATS, DIPS, ARTISAN CRACKERS, LOCALLY BAKED BREAD, JACKIES JAM, DRIED FRUITS, NUTS, SWEET TREATS, AND TEMECULA HONEYCOMB. SIMPLE YET… QUALITY.
Pricing:
- 4 FT GRAZING TABLE- STARTS AT 750.00 +
- STYLED PLATTERS STARTING AT 200.00
- STYLED BOXES- DELIVERED STARTING AT 120.00
Contact Info:
- Website: ALFRESKOEXPERIENCE.COM
- Phone: 8588886294
- Email: HELLO@ALFRESKOEXPERIENCE.COM
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/B34xWjnHqpZ/
- Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/pg/alfreskoexperience/about/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/al-fresko-san-diego
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