Today we’d like to introduce you to Sherri Segari.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Sherri. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
As a South Louisiana transplant, I am both a proud Cajun and Texan. I have a love for food and community first sparked by family as a child. As an adult, I’ve found I have a special passion for bringing people together with food, whether it’s at a large-scale event, or in a home around the table to create memorable experiences.
My journey in the culinary industry began 17 years ago when I started volunteering at various culinary events. At the time, I was working from home as an Executive Recruiter, for a company out of Phoenix, AZ. Volunteering at culinary events quickly became an exciting and passionate hobby of mine.
In 2008, I decided to take ownership of my volunteerism ending my career as an Executive Recruiter and started contracting full-time with a local event production company, Food & Vine Time Productions. With F&VT, I assumed the role of Culinary Director for Wine & Food Week, Brewmaster’s, Zest in The West, Katy Sip N Stroll, Wine Fair Cy-Fair, Big Brew, and The Houston Chronicle Culinary Stars.
Over the years, I have worked on the production of many other culinary events including; Taste of Memorial City Wine & Food Festival, The Truffle Masters and most recently, Around the World in 10,000 Bites.
In 2014, I started working as a producer for Emmy award-winning journalist, Tanji Patton at “Goodtaste with Tanji” on KPRC and click2houston.com Tanji’s television series showcases chefs and restaurants from all over the state and currently airs in 15 Texas markets.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road, in fact, the last couple years of my life have been the most challenging. In February of 2018, my daughter, Hannah and I were hit by a drunk driver. Hannah was in pretty bad shape, and I was left with a torn rotator cuff. There was no more work/life balance for me, or school/work/life balance for Hannah. Chronic pain made it challenging for us go about our day-to-day routines which caused us both a great deal of anxiety. Have you ever felt like you were in the pit…just so helpless? That’s where we were. We were limping along physically and emotionally every day for months and months. To date, Hannah is doing well, but she still suffers with back, neck and shoulder pain; I often wonder if she will ever be pain-free. I am learning to live with my torn rotator cuff and look forward to the day I can have it repaired. For the believer, the most important therapy is the word of God, and we serve a mighty all-powerful God. Both Hannah and I really had to find peace in his promise to us, promise of peace and healing.
On July 3, 2019, a day after my birthday, my father died, and for the first time in my adult life I felt unprotected, exposed and afraid. My dad was my rock, my protector, and my best friend. I know loss is a natural part of life, and grieving is an important process to overcome overwhelming feelings, but I was waking up sad almost every day. I still wonder what is a “normal” time period for someone to grieve. I often find myself telling funny stories about him with a smile on my face, and collapsing into tears only moments later. I continuously try to remind myself there is nothing too difficult in my life for God to deal with, nor is there any obstacle in my path so insurmountable I cannot cross, knowing that he is by my side. My prayer is that the loss of my dad will be a catalyst for a renewed sense of meaning offering purpose and direction to my life.
Please tell us about Lulu & Ruby Concepts.
My time spent in the culinary industry isn’t limited to only event planning. Over the past ten years, I’ve worked closely with a plethora of restaurant owners, chefs and general managers; helping with everything from job placement to creating smart menus that ensure maximum usage of products helping to lower food cost. I have studied social media and digital marketing trends extensively, and have a proven track record of results driven social strategy.
In 2014, I decided to merge my passion for culinary events and my business skills together by opening Lulu & Ruby Concepts, a greater Houston area-based consultation firm offering a broad range of solutions in the culinary industry. I work closely with a preferred group of trusted and professional contractors offering food & beverage industry solutions from special event planning, graphic/website design, social media, training, talent search, business development and growth strategy.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Nothing. My past experiences and choices have shaped and molded the woman I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.luluandruby.com
- Phone: 832-689-5722
- Email: sherri@luluandruby.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luluandruby/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sherri.Verret.Segari
Suggest a story: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
