CARLIN DUNCAN of

We promised to share more about Carlin in this month's issue, so we're keeping true to our word. First of all, thank you to the readers - we appreciate the warm welcome you gave to our new resident foodie! The response to her first submission was nothing short of spectacular! We knew you'd love it! This month, Carlin's sharing her famous pasta salad recipe and you can find it at the conclusion of this article. But now...a little more about this innovative caterer who has taken the Mississippi Gulf Coast by storm!

About Struggles And How To Overcome Them

Every career field is not without their struggles and the catering profession has a special set of demands and pressures. We asked Carlin about the main struggle she faces in her profession and her answer was, "Making sure I stop doubting myself. At times it's a struggle to keep that out of my own head. But I try to remember when it creeps in that in that moment it's the devil working to stop me from my calling. I haven't mastered keeping it at bay but I am mastering the gift of snapping out of the self-doubt quicker." Then we asked her to share how she manages to overcome the obstacles in work and her reply was, "Overcoming obstacles isn't always easy, but I always try to remember why I started. I stay faithful to my faith. I pray to God every day to never let me forget where I come from and to always keep me grounded. I was always brought up to walk and talk to God. As a child, my grandmother would have said “just walk and talk with him baby, he can always hear you no matter what.” Although my grandmother is no longer with me physically, anytime I feel backed against a wall, I can hear her say it, and so I start my walk and talk session. Because of her, because of HIM, I always recover and bounce back."

A Legacy Of Motivation And Love

What motivates Carlin?… love. She says, "Love motivates me to keep going. Not money but love. Love for food, love for other people's happiness. Love for practicing my skill and talent. Love to be better. And just overall love to see the world as a better place. I try to show love through food. And if that dish brings you your only joy for that day, then I have done my job. And that pushes me to do it for the next person and the next. My Grandma believed everything could be cured with a good cry and some good food. And it's my job to make sure that stays true."

We love having Carlin on board with Best in Business to share her talent, her heart, and her amazing insight into the world of catering and cooking!

You're going to love this month's recipe: Carlin's Famous Pasta Salad! Light, yet filling, this is a great take-along for any type of gathering.

Keep watching for more about Carlin, her amazing business, Girl Meets Kitchen, and all of the places you can connect with her along the Mississippi Gulf Coast!