Poughkeepsie’s finest, Jenay Scarchilli-Parson, 27, is a wife, mother to three beautiful boys: Terrance,7, Dominic 5, and Mason,1, business owner of JP’s Tasties Catering & Event Planning and restaurant manager at Red Lobster. Like many working mothers, she spends a lot of time away from her family due to demanding work hours (50 hours a week and sometimes more). JP’S Tasties Catering & Event Planning was the perfect way for Parson to support her family and follow her passion.
I often feel guilty sometimes because I am away so much so I saw something that I love to do which is baking and cooking and hosting parties as a way to support my family but also do what I love to do on my time.
“I started a catering and event planning business about two years ago, says the entrepreneur. “I feel like it was a really good idea for me as a mother because I saw it as a way out of the usual 9 to 5. I do everything from cupcakes, cakes, brownies, pies, cheesecakes, you name it. If I don’t know how to make it, I will learn how to make it.I usually love those orders because it’s an opportunity for me to gain a new skill.”
Parson has worked in the hospitality sector since she was 14 years old. With so much background experience in the field, it helped her gain the skills she needed to run her own business. She’s been very successful with the catering aspect and is looking forward to more event planning opportunities. She shares what makes her business so unique.
“There aren’t many companies around here that will offer the combination of catering and event planning all in one place,” says Parson. My ultimate dream for my business is to have everything under one building, meaning I would love to have a gorgeous restaurant or bakery where I can serve my desserts and have a another section of my building for events… like a huge event and banquet hall…that way it is truly a one stop shop for everything.”
She continues, “I really would like to go the more modern route with my business. There are other banquet halls or catering services but they are all very formal and there’s nothing wrong with that, but I would love to offer the combination of both.”
“Also, being a Black owned business says a lot in itself. We don’t have many of those around [Poughkeepsie] now a days that are successful and long-lasting. I would love to make it as one of those businesses in my community.”
It’s also a great opportunity to set a wonderful example for other young Black girls and to create jobs in my community.
The business owner also opened opened up about her experience as a mother.
What being a mother has taught her:
“Being a mother has taught me a new level of strength and patience,” says the mother of three. “I’ve learned I can bare more stress and less sleep than I ever thought possible also that I’m a great multitasker”
The most challenging moment as a mother:
“The first couple of months home with my babies, I tried to breastfeed with all three of my children but none of them wanted to latch on to me. I was confined to a breast pump every two hours including through the night. The lack of sleep took such a toll on me . I would also have to say no longer having full control over your life anymore. You now have this little person who gets to control when you eat when you sleep. if you usually have personal time to yourself, it’s a big change to get used to.”
On what she loves most about being a mother:
“What I love most about being a mom is pretty much the motivation that you get from your children to do better for yourself and for them. I love that my kids are so loving and forgiving of me… even [on my] worst days. [Some] days you feel like a total failure as a parent and your kids continue to see you as the best thing in the world. It’s a type of unconditional love like no other.”
I don’t think that I would go half as hard as I do for my business and for work if it wasn’t for my children; and doing it for them to be able to give them the things I didn’t have growing up.
Advice to mothers who want to chase their passion or start a business:
“No one is going to support your dream or feel as passionate about your dream as you do. Do as much research as possible, there are so many grants out there for young Black women trying to start a business. It is also a great way to support your family while creating your own schedule and being your own boss. It also teaches your kids to work for the things that they want in life. It shows them that hard work does pay off and is a great opportunity to create a legacy to leave behind for your children.”
Jenay Scarchilli-Parson had the pleasure of marrying her high-school sweetheart, Terrance Parson, and says he’s been a great supporter and father for her family and in her business.
Jazz Marie 