continued …
Me: Your own Mother is an accomplished artist. Did any of her talent rub off on you? Have you ever painted or sketched?
Jewels: Sadly, that talent skipped a generation to my daughter who is every bit as talented as mom. I could never draw or paint at that level, so food became my creative medium. When I write a recipe, I often think of it as painting with flavor.
Me: What do you value most from all of your experiences? Name a few that have helped you make up your mind to get you where you are today?
Jewels: Most everything I am today is down to motherhood. That’s what I always wanted to be since I was two years old (according to my own mother). It has gotten me through life’s lows – I’ve pulled myself up by my bootstraps many times, because I couldn’t bear to let her down. She has given me such purpose and desire to better myself. A lot of my entrepreneurial drive comes directly from wanting to show her that anything is possible. If one road to success doesn’t take you where you want to go, it’s okay to fail, but it doesn’t mean give-up, it means try another path.
Me: Do you ever feel overwhelmed by your hectic schedule? How do like to unwind? What types of music do you enjoy listening to?
Jewels: Yes, more than I like to admit. I’m an ideas person and I tend to get so enthusiastic about them I often overextend myself. I do a lot of things to unwind – laughter is a huge stress reliever for me so girlfriend time is really important, walking my dog, a few hours spent at the Korean spa having it all pummeled out of me, a temporary escape when I “play hooky” to go see a matinee – they are all ways I unwind. I really only listen to music when driving or working out, so it is mostly up-tempo stuff. The sounds that soothe me are of the waves crashing on the shore, wind rippling through the leaves, or rain drops falling when I’m all cozy inside my home.
Me: I think your ideas are very good and your website offers lots of practical ways for cooks and moms to get to see your food choices. Video and blogs and websites have come a long way from where they were a decade ago. Technology has stepped in, and all the new devices allow getting your data to your readers with a snap-of-the-finger lightening speed. How has this impacted your business, and how do you feel about all of the modern technology?
Jewels: There is no way we could reach as many people as we do, and as quickly without the Internet and each new development to harness that power. I am both fascinated and a little intimidated by it at times, because as soon as you learn one thing, there are ten others to learn if you want to keep up with the times, and equally as many gadgets to purchase and master. It’s all part of putting the pieces of the puzzle together.
Me: Do you have a favorite utensil, bowl, dish, pan, apron that you just have to have when you are the chef? Are any of these items “hands off”; no one else can use them but you?
Jewels: I hate cooking without good knives to do the prep with. If you’re working with inferior, dull knives it slows you down and can be dangerous. Knives are the main kitchen tools that I recommend people splurge on, and I’m not keen on other people using my knives, because I don’t like them mishandled.
Me: Do you have a family pet or two? And if so, I was just wondering if you might know and like the comic strip, “MUTTS” by creator, Patrick McDonnell? I find it’s a grand way to start my day!
Jewels: Yes, I’ll probably be one of those crazy old ladies with the house on the hill and fifty dogs (instead of cats). My cockapoo Daisy keeps me in stitches with her antics. “MUTTS” sounds like it is right up my alley – thanks for the tip!
Me: Last question: You’ve come far since you dreamed of walking a runway wearing beautiful high heels and stylish couture. Look what you have accomplished! I really admire your determination and vision. And speaking of vision … what are your ideas that you’ve been keeping on the back burner. No, don’t give away any secrets (we always like surprises), but give us an idea of what to look forward to from Julie Anne Rhodes.
Jewels: I like to stay open to infinite possibilities – sometimes the universe provides opportunities bigger than I’m capable of dreaming on my own. In the immediate future you can expect a series of e-books and other products for the shop. I intend to continually improve the website experience and grow our online community. I do hope you will join us! There are other projects I’m passionately developing, but they are still too far off to discuss quite yet.
In closing I want to thank you sincerely for taking the time to allow Half Hour Meal members a glimpse behind the scenes and to learn a bit more about you. We’ll surely be visiting your website, rooting for you as you step into the future to try new things, and listen to what you have to say about making the food in our busy lives taste great. We’ll all be able to allow ourselves more freedom to spend with our families and friends. Jewels, you are a shining star!
This article is dedicated in loving memory of Jewels’s Auntie Vera, who taught her so much about cooking and set her feet on the path to culinary success.
