Own my own Food truck.

My name is Teresa Randolph. I have been a certified nursing assistant for over 15 years. I chose this profession because I love assisting others that are in need. But my passion doesn’t stop there. I have always envisioned ways of helping people and to just ultimately make them smile.  Now with the support of my family and friends I have found a way to not only provide excellent nursing care; but to give people what I believe they enjoy the most, and that is the taste of fine cooking accompanied by great memories.
            I was raised in South Floral Park in Long Island New York. I was the middle child and as such it was my duties to make sure the house was in order and everyone was taken care of. We have a large close knit family of aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends. My mother was always in the kitchen and she made sure I was right there with her, learning everything there was to know about food preparation and cooking. I started preparing meals on my own when I was about 9 years old. I would help cook for all our family functions including family bar-b-ques on the weekends. This became the impetus for me at a young age to explore the culinary arts.
            A few years later, life happened and before you know it I was a single mom on my own trying to make a life for my daughter and I. I had to leave the high school I attended and go to a special school designed for young mothers. This was a very difficult time for me however I still managed to not only keep a smile on my face but that of others due to my love and zeal for cooking.  If I couldn’t do anything else, I knew I could cook. The assistance that I received and the common experiences that we as young women, mothers had shared, made me come to the realization that my passion for cooking shouldn’t be kept solely to myself or my family. That joy should be shared with others especially those in need, so that they can form long lasting (edible) memories.
            The lack of a formal culinary education has never stopped me. Throughout my developing years in the kitchen, I spent most of my free time cooking all the while learning established and innovative techniques on my own. It melts my heart when someone tastes my food and can say they (and there taste buds) have fallen in love.       
            Eventually I got married; my family grew, and relocated to Maryland. My husband is and always has been very supportive of my goals and celebrates my achievements. He has pushed me to do what I have dreamt of doing and that would be cooking on a professional level. He saw something in me that at one point I didn’t see in myself. I have made numerous excuses of why I couldn’t do it. And now with the love and support of my family and friends I am ready to step forward and pursue my dream of owning my own food truck and giving people what their taste buds want, great tasting food. My husband and especially our kids have had many sleepless nights assisting me with my dream. They have stayed up late to help me prepare food for various events for family and friends; all the while encouraging me to push forward and accomplish what my heart has set out to do.
            By sharing and/or contributing to this page I am asking for your help, assistance, suggestions, or sponsorship on how to start my business and make it prosperous.  Your belief in me is truly appreciated. A dollar and a dream is all it takes and no dollar amount is too big or too small. The goal is to procure this food truck and serve our community. I have already chosen a business name “Lee’s Luncheon-- We Do More Than Just Lunch”, which is named after my youngest child. Please assist me acquiring this truck so that I can fulfill my dream and yours as well, in partaking of foods that your palate craves.