We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kristin Alpine RN, BSN a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Kristin thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?

When I was first starting out I needed to rent a kitchen that met health codes to do my cooking in. An 80 year old woman (a dynamo) was opening a lunch spot in an antebellum home with her daughter and son in law. She rented me their kitchen during off hours for $25/month. She also gave me the best advice… when a competitor opened down the street, she explained to me that when one of us does well, we all do well. She explained that when people enjoy eating or taking a cooking class they tend to want to do more of it – thus more business for us all!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I’m a nurse by training (Georgetown University class of 1989) and have worked in wellness and education most of my career. One of my most fascinating jobs was at JP Morgan Chase where I was made an officer and spent a lot of time in NYC training on Corporate Wellness. While I have worked as a nurse for 30plus years I’ve always had a side cooking business, mostly because people would ask me to cook for them! At times it was catering, sometimes private cheffing and most recently interactive cooking classes. My love of education and seeing people eat healthy food, fight disease and nourish themselves and their family and friends at the table led to Interactive cooking classes where folks join me in the kitchen then head out to a farm table to enjoy dinner together. They leave with the recipes and an enthusiasm to recreate them at home! The best feedback is that guests leave full but also full of energy, we cook clean in my classes. I also enjoy the feedback that the classes are really warm and friendly, I truly want to see my guests succeed and continue on the tradition of eating together at the table when they get home.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

The most important thing about my business is my reputation! Being authentic, asking for feedback and only promoting items and products that I absolutely love. For that matter, I only do what I love because love (Passion) is contagious! Participation in my community and growing from there is so important. Let people see the real you – this requires knowing yourself first – I don’t make decisions based on financial outcomes, I make decisions about how I want to help my community. I teach people how to cook, I offer simple recipes but most of all I talk about love. Love of the day, listening to music while I cook, the scent of lemon zest ….cooking isn’t a chore, it’s a time to create beautiful food for people you love, including singles cooking for just you!
Food is a bond between people and scents create memories. All of that is available daily because we all have to eat. Farmers markets and local farms are where I like to shop so that is part of the fun and adventure for me. I let my guests know where I get everything and connect them to our community!
I accept most offers for collaborations because something positive comes from each one, as long as we are like minded, it’s a go for me!

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I’d moved to a new community and wanted to offer cooking classes, I had hardly any start up money and had arranged for space in a yoga center that had hardly any kitchen available. I brought in a hot plate and everything else I’d need ( it felt like a hundred trips to and from the car!). Only 2 people signed up but I was delighted I got anyone so proceeded. The two attendees loved the class (my enthusiasm was high despite the low class volume!) and helped spread the word and I’ve been doing cooking classes ever since. The classes have evolved into events, groups (anywhere from 2-20 people) will gather and cook with me then dine dinner party style. It’s a really fun and casual evening where everyone bonds and builds memories!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.wildlflowersandfreshfood.com
• Instagram: @wildflowersandfreshfood
• Facebook: Wildflowers and fresh food
• Linkedin: Kristin Alpine RN, BSN
• Youtube: Wildflowers and fresh food you tube
• Other: I have two locations: Fairhope Alabama & Lynnville Tennessee

Image Credits
SaphrynShizake