Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Challingsworth.
Hi Monica, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
“This is what you always wanted,” my mom told me a few weeks ago. She was right. I have fought a slow and steady battle (a battle I know many endure) for the opportunity to be seen, heard, and respected. When I started Eustress and Demeter, a restaurant consulting firm in 2017, I was up against two of my biggest enemies, personal doubt and the struggle against power. It is unclear whether it was pure coincidence or if the universe taught me a precious and swift lesson in overcoming personal doubt and attempted domination. At the time, there was a handful of CEOs I was enamored by. When asked who my dream clients were, I would immediately blurt out their names. Much to my surprise, as I built my credibility, these same CEO’s started to discover me. I was on absolute cloud 9 until I realized their goals were to crush and silence me. On a beautiful and sunny California day, I was giddy and excited to sit in 405 traffic and meet with my idol. They had reached out a few weeks before requesting a meeting. I was elated and felt that everything I worked for had led me to this moment. I arrived at their headquarters and was escorted into a big private office. Suddenly my excitement turned into angst, and I knew something was off. The dream CEO stormed into the office and very loudly asked me, “who the f do you think you are?” I was stunned, and my legs started to shake uncontrollably. I was speechless. They continued to berate me, and while they never asked us to work with them, they made it very clear that as I worked with their competitors, I better be “damn sure” that I was ready to make enemies with them.
After what seemed like an eternity and being physically backed into a corner, they stormed back out of their office, and I was escorted out. I got into my car, locked the doors, and burst into tears. I was so confused. How could this happen? I had never questioned my integrity; I was helping to generate revenue for restaurant groups and keep their people employed. I did pro bono work… gave back… kept my head down… and there it was. I kept my head down. I was blinded by perception. I was experiencing only a fraction of what many people face every day. I had two choices of how to respond. I could roll over and play dead or let the motivation of little ole me being enough of a threat to their giant restaurant concept propel me to the next level. If I could make such an impact on this person, then I must be onto something. I smiled and while driving away said out loud “just watch me.”
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Most of us have felt or feel silenced. We have battled imposter syndrome and have believed others when they say we are not enough. We also all have the choice of how we react to this. You are stronger than your past, that awful voice in your head, and the few childlike CEOs of the world. If you wake up each day and strive to be better than yesterday, you have already made it. Give yourself grace when you stumble backward but continue to press on with integrity, put in the hard work, and before you know it, you will see yourself for all of the light, strength, and beauty you give this world.
We’ve been impressed with Dink & Dine Pickle Park, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
“This is what you always wanted.” my mom replied as we had our weekly catch-up call. 5 years later, and with many more similar stories, I find myself exactly where I have always wanted to be. I am surrounded by a dream team of our industry’s most highly regarded and respected people. A dream team with a similar vision to change the hospitality industry landscape. To lead a company that values, respects, and gives a voice to all. As Dink & Dine Pickle Park begins to develop and expand across the country, it is our responsibility to bring fun, community, wellness, and connection to everyone who enters our park. The hospitality industry can be challenging to work in. It can be thankless, and the hours and strain on your body can be grueling. It is easy to become another number and another warm body. However, we are committed to leading with integrity and heart. We are committed to being a home away from home and a place to feel safe and valued. To always ensure if you are someone’s dream CEO, you continue to inspire them in only good ways.
What’s next?
I plan to continue my entrepreneurial journey. Dink & Dine will be my 3rd business, and it is my personal goal to learn from each peak and valley, and to help other women along their professional journeys. I have been blessed with mentors who, without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I am dedicated to giving back and helping to be thjs person to others. I know how hard it can be to have faith in yourself and how loudly fear can knock on your door, but if we support one another and help destroy that awful voice in someone else’s head, we can each create a ripple effect for generations to come.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dinkanddine.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dinkanddine/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicachallingsworth
- Other: www.eustressanddemeter.com
