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| Laura Fowler Goss |
If ever there was the perfect combination of Julia Child and Paula Deen, I would argue it could be found in Laura Fowler Goss. Charismatic to the core, chock-full of Southern charm, with a knack for entertaining, just like the beloved Paula Deen; but classically trained in French cuisine, like Julia; Laura Fowler Goss is a rare gem in Dixie County.
There are just some people in this life that are born to stand out: they don’t necessarily try to, they just do. Laura is most certainly one of those people. I have no idea, now, what 4-H event I first met Laura at, but I remember admiring her outgoing personality and charm. She was just so warm, well-spoken, and sweet, and bubbly. Something about her personality just naturally drew people in.
I was so incredibly happy to do this interview with Laura. Though I have kept up with her through Facebook over the years, it was so interesting to me to hear all that she has seen, and done, and experienced. Laura has and is living quite an extraordinary life.
I've held off on posting this interview for a couple of weeks, because I thought that it would be a great way to celebrate FFA week...by spotlighting one of Florida's former state officers!
I hope you will enjoy!
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| Laura and her father |
Favorite memory with your dad?
Not too long ago, I got up and met him at his house before daylight. We took his humble little canoe to the river and were casting as the sun came up. Bless his heart, he took every fish off my line. We had the best time, hanging out, just the two of us. I was reminded of a life lesson he taught me about 27 years ago-you catch it, you reel it in. At the mouth of my Papa's canal, when I was about 5, I caught a big red belly on my Mickey Mouse fishing pole and was having the darndest time getting it to the boat. He encouraged me, and pushed me, and cheered me all the way until I got that big ole red belly in! He had it mounted and I was so proud! So, although I don't go with him nearly as often as he would like, the best times with my daddy are fishing.
Not too long ago, I got up and met him at his house before daylight. We took his humble little canoe to the river and were casting as the sun came up. Bless his heart, he took every fish off my line. We had the best time, hanging out, just the two of us. I was reminded of a life lesson he taught me about 27 years ago-you catch it, you reel it in. At the mouth of my Papa's canal, when I was about 5, I caught a big red belly on my Mickey Mouse fishing pole and was having the darndest time getting it to the boat. He encouraged me, and pushed me, and cheered me all the way until I got that big ole red belly in! He had it mounted and I was so proud! So, although I don't go with him nearly as often as he would like, the best times with my daddy are fishing.
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| Laura with her parents on her wedding day |
Favorite memory with your mom?
My mama is such a servant! She is so loving and giving! It's tremendously rare to find a person who will truly give to the ends of themselves and find joy in every minute of it! When I was in high school, and an awfully bratty teenager with a bad attitude, I was preparing to run for FFA State Office and focused on little else. Well, someone talked me into competing in the Miss Dixie Pageant. My sweet mama totally put that pageant together without me. I told her what I wanted, and she just did it! Literally, she built an entire stage full set for my talent portion. Honest to goodness, I had never even seen it until I walked into the stage to perform the skit. (After reading this, people are mad, probably starting a petition right now to have me dethroned as the 2002 First Runner Up, because I just admitted that I didn't build the set, but oh well!). That day, although still a smart-mouthed 17 year-old, I found a lifetime--backward and forward--of respect for my mother’s loving servanthood. And guess what??! She hasn't stopped! To this day, she'll go to the catering kitchen and wash dishes or buy extra chafing pans, for no other reason than it brings her joy to serve and give! That's her way of loving. I am in tears, with thanksgiving, for The Good Lord having bestowed the very best mother on me! If I can be one-third the woman she is…I'll have reached the ultimate success in life!
How do you feel FFA and 4-H molded you into who you are today?
Although I didn't participate in any of the food-related workshops or competitions; my involvement with 4H and FFA served me more in growing me into a speaker and leader than any other extracurricular. I can't even remember how I first got involved making speeches and running for office--and maybe that's how fate works--you just slide in, and it just works. Forgive me for saying that it was both very easy and incredibly difficult! I loved every minute of presiding over meetings, sharing information through a presentation, campaigning, and meeting other members. Truly, the skills that I didn't realize I was learning have impacted my adult life far more than algebra, volleyball, world history, and the like. Because of my early start--and eager zeal--with 4H and FFA activities, I am a well-rounded leader, blessed with fine public speaking abilities.
You were a State FFA Officer, what are some of your best memories of that year?
In my small FFA chapter I was the leadership CDE “big fish.” It wasn't until a few months into State Officerhood that I learned just how very small that pond was. Alongside the likes of Erica Der, Jordan Sims, Stephanie Mack and the other incredibly talented, impressive public speaking, well rounded servants--little ole Dixie County Laura wasn't the big shot anymore! I remember being humbled. I learned to work as a part of a team; and learned what enthusiasm from the heart really was. My best memory is learning from my State Officer teammates.
My mama is such a servant! She is so loving and giving! It's tremendously rare to find a person who will truly give to the ends of themselves and find joy in every minute of it! When I was in high school, and an awfully bratty teenager with a bad attitude, I was preparing to run for FFA State Office and focused on little else. Well, someone talked me into competing in the Miss Dixie Pageant. My sweet mama totally put that pageant together without me. I told her what I wanted, and she just did it! Literally, she built an entire stage full set for my talent portion. Honest to goodness, I had never even seen it until I walked into the stage to perform the skit. (After reading this, people are mad, probably starting a petition right now to have me dethroned as the 2002 First Runner Up, because I just admitted that I didn't build the set, but oh well!). That day, although still a smart-mouthed 17 year-old, I found a lifetime--backward and forward--of respect for my mother’s loving servanthood. And guess what??! She hasn't stopped! To this day, she'll go to the catering kitchen and wash dishes or buy extra chafing pans, for no other reason than it brings her joy to serve and give! That's her way of loving. I am in tears, with thanksgiving, for The Good Lord having bestowed the very best mother on me! If I can be one-third the woman she is…I'll have reached the ultimate success in life!
How do you feel FFA and 4-H molded you into who you are today?
Although I didn't participate in any of the food-related workshops or competitions; my involvement with 4H and FFA served me more in growing me into a speaker and leader than any other extracurricular. I can't even remember how I first got involved making speeches and running for office--and maybe that's how fate works--you just slide in, and it just works. Forgive me for saying that it was both very easy and incredibly difficult! I loved every minute of presiding over meetings, sharing information through a presentation, campaigning, and meeting other members. Truly, the skills that I didn't realize I was learning have impacted my adult life far more than algebra, volleyball, world history, and the like. Because of my early start--and eager zeal--with 4H and FFA activities, I am a well-rounded leader, blessed with fine public speaking abilities.
You were a State FFA Officer, what are some of your best memories of that year?
In my small FFA chapter I was the leadership CDE “big fish.” It wasn't until a few months into State Officerhood that I learned just how very small that pond was. Alongside the likes of Erica Der, Jordan Sims, Stephanie Mack and the other incredibly talented, impressive public speaking, well rounded servants--little ole Dixie County Laura wasn't the big shot anymore! I remember being humbled. I learned to work as a part of a team; and learned what enthusiasm from the heart really was. My best memory is learning from my State Officer teammates.
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| Miss AnnMarie...and please note her shirt :) |
Coolest place you have ever traveled?
Such a tossup! I have been blessed with being able to travel quite a bit. I went to a convention in San Francisco, and really enjoyed the feeling/vibe of that city. I love love love New York City, Manhattan. In 2014, I spent quite a while there, and I love the fast pace. I love the hustle and bustle, I love the skyscrapers and the shopping and the restaurants…oh the restaurants!
Such a tossup! I have been blessed with being able to travel quite a bit. I went to a convention in San Francisco, and really enjoyed the feeling/vibe of that city. I love love love New York City, Manhattan. In 2014, I spent quite a while there, and I love the fast pace. I love the hustle and bustle, I love the skyscrapers and the shopping and the restaurants…oh the restaurants!
What is your go-to comfort food?
The cheese off the top of a $5 hot and ready cheese pizza. Sad, but true. I love cheese pizza! I eat about two slices, then the cheese off the rest of it!
How did you spend your time between high school and today's catering company?
Upon first meeting a funny little guy named Ray Land, I knew we were meant to be lifelong friends! Much to his mother’s dismay-- a high school senior girl from Dixie scooped up her sophomore son--and they spent all day at Stephen Foster State Park planning the FFA District III 'Recreational Leadership Day' in 2002. From that very first function, he and I stuck together: his dreams of a first-class Motorcoach transportation company blossomed into reality with me closely at his side. I started helping him with charter bus reservations in 2004, and after a while he started paying me to help. After my first semester at LCCC, Ray had three Motorcoaches and it was far more fun for me to be a tour guide than a community college student. So, I jumped on the wagon with both feet and helped grow Fabulous Coach Lines into the leading charter bus company in the southeast with a significant national presence. Fabulous Coach Lines later went on to win the esteemed United Motorcoach Association Operator of the Year award. Eventually acquiring four other companies and growing into a fleet of more than 75 vehicles and nearly 200 employees. My adventures with Ray included numerous Super Bowls, Republican National Conventions, hurricane relief efforts, NYC summer tour contracts, and more elementary school field trips than you can shake a stick at! His mother, Laura, and I are now great friends and I cherish the support they are giving in my current adventure with Ray as my friendly consultant. I'll never forget the eight months I lived on a bus in New Orleans after Katrina, and the little red wagon I pulled to the Red Cross tent, the only place in 100 miles with electricity, loaded down with my computer, printer, and office in a box! Through my time in the transportation business, I learned how to format strong logistical plans for every occasion, and with Ray's leadership, I learned how to say “No” to “No” and always push through to achieve the goal. Sometimes I hired people, sometimes I washed buses, sometimes I met with accountants, and sometimes I welcomed groups to Florida in a special way! And all the time, I learned, and grew, and had fun!
Tell me about your business.
What was the scariest thing starting your own business?
Starting it was easy. Deciding to let go of a 13-year history, and awesome weekly paycheck, at my supposed lifetime career position to increase my business was the scariest. My own company was doing just fine as my hobby. It never had to pay the bills until recently. When I left the Friday direct-deposit security, and had to buy toilet paper and toddler shoes and cherry-flavored tums with catering margins, that was when it got real. A local entrepreneur, and good friend of mine, told me to do both as long as I could. But I knew that I would never take my own business as seriously as I should until it seriously affected my family. Twenty-five guests with a budget of seven dollars per person being the only booking in sight for this week, now that's scary!!
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| Laura and her mother |
What has been the best moment with your business?
Spending a lot of time with my mama. She is a very talented cook in her own right, and determined and focused and diligent. She is by far the most sincerely-hard-working-make-it-happen-no-matter-what person on the planet. On-site cooking at events, sshhhhhh! it's not me, it's her. That woman can fry chicken, green beans, pickles, and oysters like nobody's business! But the very best part is chatting with her, heeding or ignoring her good advice, and appreciating her always enthusiastic attitude. It would not be the same, and I definitely could not do it, without her! The best part is my mama as my sidekick. ((tears))
Spending a lot of time with my mama. She is a very talented cook in her own right, and determined and focused and diligent. She is by far the most sincerely-hard-working-make-it-happen-no-matter-what person on the planet. On-site cooking at events, sshhhhhh! it's not me, it's her. That woman can fry chicken, green beans, pickles, and oysters like nobody's business! But the very best part is chatting with her, heeding or ignoring her good advice, and appreciating her always enthusiastic attitude. It would not be the same, and I definitely could not do it, without her! The best part is my mama as my sidekick. ((tears))
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| AnnMarie |
How has life changed since you became a mom?
My life is totally different, yet altogether the same. AnnMarie is the brightest spot, the most loving precious little darling, and she brings joy that is incomparable. She is my little buddy and my sweet princess. Any mother will tell you, the first year is pretty challenging: learning to adjust to a new lifestyle and learning how to care for a new life.
My life is totally different, yet altogether the same. AnnMarie is the brightest spot, the most loving precious little darling, and she brings joy that is incomparable. She is my little buddy and my sweet princess. Any mother will tell you, the first year is pretty challenging: learning to adjust to a new lifestyle and learning how to care for a new life.
Initially, I felt a great deal of pressure to raise up a person who would be a champion for Christ, a benefit to society, an educated class act, and most of all who would 'turn out' good. Then, about 20 months into it, I had an epiphany: she 'turns out' every day! I had been so worried about how she would turn out that I stressed myself into craziness. I'm so thankful for the Holy Spirit speaking to me and allowing me to enjoy every single day of her life (and mine too)! When AnnMarie expands her vocabulary with words like 'delicious;' when she dresses herself and actually matches; when she says please and thank you; when she requests that we read 'just one more book;' when she 'plays her music;' when she says 'amen' at the end of the prayer; when she lies in bed and holds one hand of her daddy's and one hand of mine then encourages us to hold to each other's hands…she Turns Out!
When she notices the rainbow before I do; when she is excited to go to church; when she tells me how much she loves her grandparents; when she appreciates a new toy; when she sings; when she holds my face in her little hands; when she gives her friends big hugs…she Turns Out! By becoming a mother, my life has changed for the better. I'm encouraged, challenged, inspired, and abundantly blessed!
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| AnnMarie and Matt |
What are some of the funny things your daughter has said?
Matt and I were just taking about the time when AnnMarie was so sick, we took her to the emergency room in the very early morning hours. Thankfully, they got some good medicine in her and helped my baby feel better. By the time we left it was noon. Of course we asked her, "AnnMarie, are you hungry? What would you like for lunch?" "Steak and strawberries!" That's my girl !! Ha! So, we bee-lined it to Texas Roadhouse and she was healed over medium ribeye and strawberry smoothie. Other funny things she does is pet my head, call me kitty, and feed me treats (like M&Ms and grapes and such). Thankfully, she doesn’t pounce! We are definitely in a cat loving stage right now--although we have been for about a year and a half...
Matt and I were just taking about the time when AnnMarie was so sick, we took her to the emergency room in the very early morning hours. Thankfully, they got some good medicine in her and helped my baby feel better. By the time we left it was noon. Of course we asked her, "AnnMarie, are you hungry? What would you like for lunch?" "Steak and strawberries!" That's my girl !! Ha! So, we bee-lined it to Texas Roadhouse and she was healed over medium ribeye and strawberry smoothie. Other funny things she does is pet my head, call me kitty, and feed me treats (like M&Ms and grapes and such). Thankfully, she doesn’t pounce! We are definitely in a cat loving stage right now--although we have been for about a year and a half...
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| Matt, AnnMarie, and Laura |
Has it been difficult trying to balance the hat of “Wife” and “Mother” and “Business owner?”
My balance beam is a gift named Matt Goss. He is strong and steadfast. He is the anchor in my life. I can count on him. His love for me is unbelievable. A man of few words, he is a brilliant father, and an unwavering partner. Is he perfect? No…but he is surely closer than I am!
A few months ago, near our house a church sign exclaimed, "two can't argue if one won't." That's when I figured it out: he had just rather not argue. Probably to a fault, but he never fusses at me. Now, I aim to not make too many bad decisions, but when I do, he loves me, no less, and fusses at me, no more. The real secret to balancing wife-mother-business owner, though, is that I make extreme effort to be very present at home on the evenings that I'm there. (Because we know folks like to eat at 7pm events on Thurs, Fri, Sat nights) Sitting at the table together to have dinner; playing Paw Patrol in the living room floor; foot massages on the couch…with no cell phone, no laptop, no invoices.
My balance beam is a gift named Matt Goss. He is strong and steadfast. He is the anchor in my life. I can count on him. His love for me is unbelievable. A man of few words, he is a brilliant father, and an unwavering partner. Is he perfect? No…but he is surely closer than I am!
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| Laura and Matt on their wedding day |
Then, after reading umpteen books to AM, I go to bed with Matt, and rub his back until he snores. When they are both asleep, I get up, read my devotion, send emails, and reconcile bank statements. I am thankful that Matt makes my beam is so wide, it makes balancing it all easier. Thanks, Love!!
What advice would you give to young adults interested in entrepreneurship?
First, have coffee with Ray Land. Secondly, hold on tight! It's a heck of a roller coaster. And thirdly, have (or build) a strong support system. You're going to need an enormous amount of guidance, outside opinions and suggestions, big-picture planning, shoulders to cry on, and money. In my opinion, a start-up will never work without passionate enthusiasm. I can tweak my own website because I love my food business, but I could never be successful running a web building business. I can air my car tires enroute to an event, but I could never run a maintenance shop. I can embroidery my logo onto a coat the night before a catering, but I could never successfully run a sewing company. So, gather advice from this on two points: One, run with your passion; and two, do everything you can yourself (at first at least).
First, have coffee with Ray Land. Secondly, hold on tight! It's a heck of a roller coaster. And thirdly, have (or build) a strong support system. You're going to need an enormous amount of guidance, outside opinions and suggestions, big-picture planning, shoulders to cry on, and money. In my opinion, a start-up will never work without passionate enthusiasm. I can tweak my own website because I love my food business, but I could never be successful running a web building business. I can air my car tires enroute to an event, but I could never run a maintenance shop. I can embroidery my logo onto a coat the night before a catering, but I could never successfully run a sewing company. So, gather advice from this on two points: One, run with your passion; and two, do everything you can yourself (at first at least).
What advice would you give those girls that don’t know beans about cooking?
I'd say to them, “Bless Your Heart!” Ha! Then, I'd tell them to start slowly, but start cooking, now…as in the next meal. I believe everyone should understand the basics of cooking. It's important to know how to feed yourself and your family. I won't soap box about health and fast food and processed groceries and all that--but there's surely a long discussion to be had. Other than learning basics, like perfectly cooked pasta and sauce from scratch--both of which take practice--I only encourage serious cooking to folks who can find joy in it. Grudgingly fixing dinner is not ok. There's a certain comfort that can come with creating and then enjoying a meal--a sense of pride, ownership, authority, and happiness in a job well done. If you can find those things, great! If cooking really isn't your thing, don't stress about how to become something you're not. Please don't let your kids see you despise feeding them. Please don't let your family think you hate putting in effort to have a meal with them. If you want some help in finding a happy way to flavor your dishes with love, join in one of my cooking classes. If you read enough old school French cook books, you can certainly become a master. And if you are best-suited to make salads and sandwiches for your group--then do just that! Cooking should be a pleasurable experience!
Want to know more about Laura? Looking for a caterer for your special event? Or perhaps, looking to take a cooking class? Or do you find yourself in need of a Cooking Coach? Check out her website at www.LauraFowlerGoss.com .
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