Check Out Twana Jackson’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Twana Jackson.  

Hi Twana, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am a single mother of 5, I was adopted at an early age and raised in a family where food was out love language. My mother baked cakes for everyone and every event she would send them down south to her family. My mother was a huge influence in my life and in my cooking career she was definitely a hustler she worked hard for us as a widowed woman. Mother Robinson (grandmother) also showed me a lot in the kitchen from homemade biscuits to coconut cakes and picking fresh vegetables, also the ins and outs of running a kitchen with her own catering business. As a young mother, I wanted my kids to know that they could do anything they out their minds to; I wanted them to see their mom become someone they could be proud of. 

With my family and church family pushing me and motivating me to keep going, I’ve been blessed to walk through some doors I never thought would be open for me 

I love to cook that’s my way of showing love to see people eat my food and my smile brings joy to my life m. I’ve come a long way, and with the help of the good lord, this is only the beginning. I recently graduated culinary school, and I’m excited to see what my future holds 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
With Covid 19 going to school was a challenge online then once in person started, I had to drive 1.5 one way to school 5 days a week and work my full-time job 40+hr a week and take care of my babies. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My specialty would have to be seafood. That’s what started my professional career and got my name ringing bells I love to be creative when baking cakes cookies pies etc. 

I like to do what others aren’t 

I try and push the bar a little and add a different flare to what we’re used to. I want to do it all with no limitations 

So maybe we end up discussing what matters most to you and why.
My kids matter most; we grew up together, we learned this thing called life together, and although there were many bumps in the road, they didn’t ask to be here and as a young mom who made a lot of mistakes, I want to prove to them that no matter what mistakes you’ve made it’s never too late to make it right they are what keep me going they are the reason I never gave up My faith is what has kept me going and brought me this far I know God loves me he’s blessed me and shown favor to me in spite of all my shortcomings he loved me even when I didn’t love myself, and I’m forever grateful. 

When my kids say that’s my momma, I want them to always say it proudly, and I want them to know and see that no matter what, momma did her best. 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: cookingwithlove_tj
• Facebook: Twana Jackson
• Twitter: TwanaJackson20
• Youtube: Cooking with Chef Tj

Image Credits
Tyana Keith
Kennia Tariq
Davaughn
baby Tristan
Aleeya
YaYa
Sinnie Jackson