Photography by Lisa Carpenter
PLATE 108
Wendy D. Watkins, RD, LDN, Founder/President
Innovative, smart, warm, entrepreneurial, funny, open, multitasker & fearless Who is your hero?
What is the best part of owning your own business?
No question, my mother has been the inspiration for my life. She taught me to think positively, learn from failures, and turn them into successes. She was a creative person with an interest in everything, and she knew how to have fun. That spirit of adventure and fun did not stop at the kitchen door; she was a wonderful cook who inspired me to become a dietitian, an entrepreneur, and so much more.
Owning my business gives me the opportunity to grow and shape it in ways that meet the needs of my clients. Initially, diet consults involved discussions of healthy foods. Now with Plate 108, I have a dedicated kitchen space where I can demonstrate food preparation, and clients can experience good food firsthand. In addition, Plate 108 serves as a cooking and entertainment venue open to the public through classes and events.
What would I be surprised to learn about you? I was a multitasker before it was cool. I have always been happiest and do my best work when there is more than enough to do. Through Upstate Nutrition Consultants we serve nursing and rehab centers, assisted living homes, and provide nutrition counseling to clients. Plate 108 adds to that multitask continuum, and gives me the opportunity to take teaching about healthy eating to the public in a beautiful setting while making it fun.
How is your business different from your competition? There is no other cooking venue you can attend that pairs a licensed Registered Dietitian with a chef. We tackle eating well, with eating right infusing culinary arts, with nutrition to give folks a full food experience!
What made you start your business? Leaving a job that I thought I would retire from and having a new baby made me think outside the box. Flexibility and paying the bills were key components in designing my future. As an independent dietary consultant, I was able to meet those goals. I had a talent for management and before long, dietary consultants were working for me. Having my own business has allowed me to change with the industry, and looking back I could not be happier with the results.
108 E Poinsett St., Greer | 864.915.2640 upstatenutrition.net/plate_108 Mon., Tues., Thur. & Fri., 6:30-8:30pm; Sat. depends on class Behind The Counter | 2013
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