Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Bancroft.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Jessica. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
During my first year in college, I worked at a bakery on Larchmont which is where I first developed a passion for food. During my 20’s I studied and obtained a certification in aromatherapy. I felt a strong connection between food and nature. I got married, had a few kids and then went through a divorce. I began working in corporate insurance which left me uninspired. I knew I had to find something more, something that would bring my love of food and nature together, thirteen years ago I took a job at Starlite Caterers, which is where my life began to change. I had finally found my place! I can recall the first time I blended my aromatherapy with food, I was hooked! Fresh Lavender & Honey Cupcakes made with a simple syrup I created from fresh lavender buds. LA Native is the culmination of my years at Starlite, my study of aromatherapy and my innate desire to nurture.
Has it been a smooth road?
Being a single mom and trying to build a business was my biggest struggle. Catering is a 24/7 job, meeting with clients during the day and catering events on nights & weekends. My job overshadowed everything. I did my best not to miss too many of my kids’ activities. Many weekends my kids would come to jobs with me, they were happy to spend time with me and it gave them a strong work ethic.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
LA Native is a boutique catering company. We cater everything from small dinner parties to large corporate events.
Currently, we are specializing in Grazing Tables, a natural progression from stale chafing dishes to the use of beautiful wood & metal props to display food. I find people eat first with their eyes and I spare no detail in how our food is presented. I incorporate fresh flowers and herbs into each presentation. I believe what sets us apart from other caterers is our ability to combine nature & food into a stunning work of art. Each Grazing Table is a blank canvas, I begin with choosing the best props from my vast inventory. Building layer upon layer of food made with the freshest ingredients and seasonal produce, no two tables are alike. I love when people gasp at how gorgeous our presentations are. I often hear “It’s too pretty to touch!”
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Los Angeles is a difficult city to break into. There is so much competition in the food business. I think for anyone starting out I would tell them catering is not for the lazy, it’s hard work but so rewarding if they stay the course, don’t very give up on your dream!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lanativecatering.com
- Phone: 323.426.4383
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: lanativecatering
- Facebook: lanativecatering
Image Credit:
Jessica Bancroft
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