Today we’d like to introduce you to Lesa Danielle Neal
Hi Lesa Danielle, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My story… Well, my story starts in Memphis, TN and eventually heads to Florida in 2014. Then back to Memphis a couple of times-2017 to try and rekindle my second marriage, which didn’t happen. I then moved back to Florida for a short time. I moved to Brighton, TN in October of 2019 for a relationship I am still in. We met in high school and were total sweethearts. He has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and needed someone to help with his daily needs. I have 3 sons that are a few years apart so they are with different fathers. I’ve been married twice and both marriages failed. I’ve been a single mom the majority of my adult life so I’ve only had myself and my parents to depend on. (I have the best parents in the WORLD!!) I have a huge passion for pets, mainly cats and dogs. I’ve worked in the Veterinary field since I was 18, my oldest son was 8 months old at the time. He is now about to be 27. Working in this industry isn’t always optimal financially, therefore I’ve had to supplement my income as needed. My Mom taught me the basics of cooking and Food Network taught me the rest! I started my side business of cooking for clients back in 2020 when I realized that we needed to supplement income in our household due to his inability to work. He was approved for disability, but truly we are working with only one major income and 2 children still at home. His daughter and my son. My 2 oldest sons are still living in Florida on my family’s land. I miss my family tremendously and one day very soon my youngest and I will be moving back. Hopefully with my fiance! Until then I will be posting weekly specials for Chicken Spaghetti Rotel, Chicken Guadalajara, Chicken Alfredo, Air fried tomato pesto shrimp and pasta, any fruit cobbler you can think of, etc! I charge minimally so that I still profit but, also help out the friends I’ve made along the way so that they can have meals for the week or month. I have one client/friend that has purchased meals from me every time I cook since I started this endeavor. Whether it be for parties she has at home or for her dear friend with cancer. They split the family-size pan into individual servings and freeze it like microwaveable meals!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’ve had multiple struggles during this journey. I’ve been employed by 2 Animal Hospitals during my time back in Tennessee. Again, I love my daily work with animals! I’ve gone from being a receptionist to a Practice Manager over the course of 7 years or so, starting back in 2005 managing. I’ve learned so much throughout the years. I truly wish I would’ve gone to college and Vet school but, I also LOVE talking to the pet owners and educating them as well. Some Doctors’ are easier to get along with than others. My home clinic changed ownership a few years ago. That is how I decided to move my talents back to downtown Memphis. I had so much anxiety working for the person I was working for that I almost quit and started cooking full-time, but I’m not to that point yet financially. My ultimate goal is to make everyone’s life better daily, at home and work! Food is LOVE so that’s how I make many happy, family and friends. It is my Art!!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I manage a Veterinary practice with approximately 20 employees. I just came back in November after being gone for 3 years. There’s much work to be done regarding inventory, scheduling, implementing protocols, etc. It is my daily job to report to the Owner any problems that arise when he isn’t there, help him with ordering food products and work my way into the back half of the hospital. I’ve been helping with corrections at the front desk first. My passion is customer service. There are clients that I’ve known since I was 18 years old and I’m now 44. That’s more than half my life!!
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Always CHRISTMAS!!! So many fond memories of Christmas morning! Family and Thanksgiving, as well. The love you feel while cooking with your Mom is like no other. It’s just like waking up on Christmas morning and your Dad yelling “MERRY CHRISTMAS” out the front door to the neighborhood!! Lol, yes he did. Every single year. Love my parents so much!
Pricing:
- Entree-size family pan $45
- Sides and salads per quart $18
- Dessert family-size pan $35
- Individual portions are negotiable
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @danielle_marcum_
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/.Danielle.Neal.13
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesa-danielle-neal-6b11a6a1/
- Twitter: @mrsdanielleneal
- Other: @danielle.theleo on Snapchat
