Today we’d like to introduce you to Jane Chapman.
Hi Jane, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am the creator & founder of “The Communal Table Santa Barbara.” I have been dreaming of & curating this gathering place my entire life. I was born and raised in Santa Barbara and grew up part of a huge & lively family. Our family culture was one centered around meals together shared with diverse guests & full of animated conversations & discourse. It was common at our table to have heated debates and no topic was ever “off limits.” In this arena I learned how to navigate meaningful dialogue with people with different beliefs, backgrounds & ideologies while maintaining respect for others and nurturing a safe place to share. Over the past few years as our political climate has become increasingly polarized and the already present disparities within our society have broadened it is on my heart that for many the “art of conversation ” has been lost. It is my desire to bring in and grow a diverse community of women to gather, share, learn from one another, hear a new perspective and maybe make a friend. In our gatherings, there will be no “experts,” but instead it is my hope that conversations will flow organically based on our own lived experiences. These events will each be unique, you may be challenged in your thinking, you may leave with more questions than you came with but it is my belief that this is a place where growth within & love for others begins. I am not claiming to be perfect at this, I will get it wrong and inevitably this project will get messy. I will mediate the conversations and prompt questions to the group as needed to the best of my ability. I am committed to this work, the communities and the women these conversations will elevate. Below is a bit more about me, my work experience & hobbies.
My parents are classically trained chefs whom cultivated and passed down their delight for food and entertaining to me. I have worked in the food & hospitality industry for over 20 years. For the past 13 years, I operated & managed my family’s local restaurants Jane & Montecito Cafe, developed recipes, created community outreach, coordinated events & contributed to numerous food & wine publications including Sunset Magazine, 805 Living & Santa Barbara Food & Home. I graduated from UCLA with a BA in Latin American Studies with an emphasis in Art History. I live in Santa Barbara with my husband and two children. I am passionate about finding joy each day, creating community, supporting women, elevating our voices, and helping others to see & live to their fullest potential using their unique natural gifting. In my free time, I enjoy sharing time with my family & friends, exploring nature, making delicious food, creating art with my hands each day, practicing & teaching Yoga, traveling & meeting new people. I look forward to sitting at The Communal Table with you.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Starting a new businesses is rarely a smooth road and certainly not when you start a company during a pandemic that centers on human connection, sharing meals and in person conversations. I have had obstacles in navigating the ever-changing Covid regulations around gathering while at the same time cultivating safety not only on a physical level from the fears of the pandemic but emotionally as well to create a space where women feel safe in sharing what is on their hearts and minds which will ultimately lead to a rich and meaningful conversation and experience.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My main work is in facilitating conversations for small gatherings for the Communal Table both publicly and privately for corporate events. I specialize in curating unique and intimate events that leave attendees feeling connected, seen and heard. I am known best for my hospitality, my ability to find common ground with just about anyone and the delicious food I prepare at my events. I am most proud of the authentic relationships I have made throughout my career and the stories I have the privilege of hearing at these events. What sets me apart from others is I believe and practice “collaboration over competition.” I believe there is enough for everyone and am energized by working with other small local businesses to empower each other and the greater community of our city. I am born and raised in Santa Barbara and have a passion for local, women led/owned small businesses in my hometown. I grew up with parents who ran successful local restaurants which gave me a unique perspective, an entrepreneurial spirit, genuine passion for creating community and an appreciation for local small business. I love meeting new people, listening to their stories and then connecting them to others to foster relationships in our city.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
When I first dreamt of the Communal Table, I have to admit I thought I was crazy. I told myself, “what idiot starts an event company combing food and in person conversation during a global pandemic and during a major lockdown?” The crazy wasn’t me but instead, it was the most providential idea. What I created ended up being what people actually desired most, authentic connection. In a time when we were increasingly isolated, polarized and alone, I continued to safely gather and bring people together to share, have meaningful conversations and see one another as we are, human and connected.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.communaltablesb.com
- Instagram: communaltablesb
Image Credits:
Gallois Photo Meg Sorel Photography
