Life and Work with Joni Lawless

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joni Lawless.

Joni, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I grew up in a home with talented chefs and exquisite cooks. I wasn’t always afforded the opportunity to cook, so I watched, listened, tasted and asked lots of questions. I went to college in Europe in the mid-’70s and with the trains so available and affordable, every free moment I had I was out exploring. I spoke French and Italian, however, there were many places I didn’t speak the language and I wasn’t able to communicate. However, what I found was food had a language all of its own. I communicated with my expressions, my eyes, and gestures. When you lean down to smell the delicious aromas of a dish just prepared for you, and a smile comes to your face, nothing else needs to be said. So, began my love of food, travel and breaking bread with new friends. During these uncertain times, I want to provide a safe space we can explore the world together through food, in my kitchen. So, I started Cooking With Joni to help inspire people to find the joy, fun, and satisfaction in preparing meals together. Food isn’t just about your taste buds and senses, it’s also experiential, it is a celebration. I want to encourage people to slow down, get back into the kitchen and break bread with family and friends. Cooking doesn’t have to be a chore or a bore. I want to teach people to cook fantastic food that isn’t overwhelming, complicated or expensive.

I am passionate about food and even more passionate about connecting people through food. Food is Love!

Has it been a smooth road?
Of course, there are always struggles, fears, and self-doubt when starting your own business. Being an entrepreneur isn’t necessarily for everyone. If you are not someone who can fall down and quickly pick themselves back up, the struggles and fear will just last longer.

However, if you can look at all of that as an opportunity to grow, then the fall will be softened and will be brief. I have learned to find your passion all else will follow including the money. If you live in survival mode, you become shut down nothing is able to get in. When you live in universal abundance, you’re open to all of life’s possibilities.

When I first started Cooking with Joni, I was filled with self-doubt. When I finally shifted my attitude and started to believe in me, my business took off. You will become the words you chose to say to yourself, uplifting or keeping you from your true potential. Embrace all of life, the good, bad and ugly because there is always a nugget of gold inside.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Cooking with Joni – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I teach hands-on cooking classes, from cast iron skillet cooking, 30-minute meals to Classic French cuisine. I am passionate about food and even more passionate about connecting people through food. I provide national and global corporate team building events, private group classes as well as open group classes.
The environment is intimate and welcoming. When you arrive, you are greeted with delicious hors d’oeuvre, that compliment the cuisine you have chosen, a glass of wine or sparkling water. If the weather is cold as it has been of late, I will have a roaring fire going which only enhances the cozy feeling. After a time for socializing, we will split into teams of two and head to the work stations. Each team will prepare a part of the evening’s meal. When all the food is cooked, it is the time to sit down to a beautifully set table to eat the fruits of their labor.

Now, this is where the magic happens, breaking bread with family, friends, or the new friends you have just made. There are no cell phone calls being taken, the only thing being taken are fun photographs of an evening of connection.

What sets me apart from others? I don’t just teach a cooking class, I deliver a culinary experience.

Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
I had an extraordinary mother who encouraged me to be open to new experiences and especially different cultures. I was fortunate to be able to attend college in Europe where I traveled extensively breathing in the world’s culture. This is where I became so interested in foods from around the globe. I was then fortunate to marry a man who loved food and travel so was able to continue my love throughout my life. An added bonus was that my two older brothers attended culinary school in Paris. Food is Love!

Pricing:

• Private one to one instruction starts at $85 per hour
• Private group classes call
• Open group classes can range from $65-$100 per person

Contact Info:

• Address: 5502 E Anderson Dr.
  Scottsdale, AZ 85254
• Website: www.jonicooks.com
• Phone: 602-441-3067 or cell 770-335-7541
• Email: joni@jonicooks.com
• Instagram: instragram.com/cookingwithjoni
• Facebook: facebook.com/cookingwithjoni
• Other: yelp.com/cookingwithjoni

Image Credit:
Joni Lawless

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