This week I had the joy of attending Terrell Chamber’s She Means Business networking luncheon at Lula Mae’s Bistro. As always, it was a fantastic event. Twelve incredible women gathered together to share a meal, swap stories, and connect with one another. There was laughter, encouragement, and even a few new faces, which is always exciting.
But for me, this networking event was about more than just business. It was about memories.
The Backstory
Over the weekend, Chef Beverly had posted about their Steak Bites with fries and Bearnaise sauce. The second I saw it, I was transported back in time. Growing up, Saturdays with my mom almost always meant a meal with Bearnaise sauce. She made it from scratch every single time. If you’ve ever tried, you know it isn’t easy. One wrong move and the sauce separates. But she always got it right, and to me, that sauce became a symbol of comfort and tradition.
It had been at least ten years since I’d had it, and when I saw Beverly’s post, I knew I had to try it. I told myself, if it’s on the menu at Wednesday’s networking, I’m ordering it.
A Sweet Surprise
Sure enough, when I arrived at Lula Mae’s Bistro, there it was. The only catch? Bearnaise sauce doesn’t exactly reheat well. That’s when Beverly did something extraordinary. Instead of saying that she didn’t have it, she went back into the kitchen and made me a fresh batch of Bearnaise sauce, completely from scratch.
Seriously, who does that?
It was beyond delicious. The moment I tasted it, I was right back at my mom’s side, reliving those Saturday traditions. It wasn’t just a meal, it was a memory brought to life. I could almost feel my mom smiling from heaven.
More Than Networking
Yes, this event was about promoting Wichmann & Co and connecting with other entrepreneurs. Yes, it was about stepping out of my hiding place and putting myself back into the community. But it was also a reminder that the best connections – the ones that stick with us – often come from small acts of kindness.
Networking is about people, not just business cards. It’s about moments that touch your heart as much as your career.
A Big Thank You
To the twelve amazing ladies who shared this lunch, thank you for the laughs and conversations. To Terrell Chamber, thank you for putting together such a wonderful event. And to Chef Beverly, thank you for giving me more than a meal. You gave me a moment I’ll never forget.
I’m already looking forward to next month’s luncheon. If this week is any indication, it’s going to be something special.
