Meet Lauren Windham | Chef | Owner | Founder of L. Windham Provisions

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauren Windham and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lauren, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
The idea to found L. Windham Provisions came to me a little shy of two years ago. I have a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, which started with earning both my Associate Degree in Culinary Arts and my Graduate Certificate in Wine and Beverage Studies at The Culinary Institute of America. After passing the Certified Sommelier exam through The Court of Master Sommeliers, I worked in both professional kitchens and on the dining room floor. I’m so grateful to the mentors, chefs, and managers that pushed me throughout the last ten years, but at some point I realized it was time to work towards achieving MY dream. Currently, I provide my wonderful clients with elegant, warm, and hospitable dining experiences in their own home, and I have the privilege of introducing them to captivating wines for each course. Through L. Windham Provisions, I also offer pick-up orders from my weekend hosting menus, which I post every two weeks on social media. My ultimate goal is to have a store front with plenty of natural light, a few too many plants, dark wood beams, and stained glass— the perfect setting for me to sell my favorite ingredients, vintage glassware, seasonal produce from local farmers, a rotating selection of wines, and— the list goes on!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Food is art— there’s no doubt about it. I love curating fully customized menus for my clients; it keeps me creative, and my clients truly look forward to enjoying a menu that I’ve prepared purely for them.

I’m so fortunate for my career path, and I know so many have been much worse off than me, but it has not been easy in the least bit. I have very high standards when it comes to the quality of ingredients I utilize, and who wouldn’t? This stems both from living in Napa Valley for five years where access to the finest ingredients and chef mentors are readily available, and from a long-time personal struggle with disordered eating patterns. After years of therapy, one month in a rehabilitation facility, and learning what my body loved (real food!), I have slowly but surely overcome this challenge and am now able to channel my appreciation into how I serve my clients. Healing isn’t easy, ever. It’s been a matter of re-training my brain so that I can fuel myself with honest foods that keep me working towards my vision of all that L. Windham Provisions can be!

As for my brand, I love wearing beautiful silk scarves in my hair. I like to believe they’re my “trademark,” so I’m currently designing three different patterns. A portion of the proceeds for one of these designs will go directly to The Charis House, an eating disorder treatment facility just east of Jacksonville, Florida. I can’t wait to give back in this way!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There are some great restaurants in Atlanta! We’d eat at Ela (Mediterranean), Gigi’s (Italian), and Barbacoa (margaritas and quesadillas!). If we wanted a fancy night out, I’d take her to Kimball House, Miller Union, or White Bull. For lunch, I absolutely love El Super Pan’s Cuban food at Ponce City Market, plus, it’s a great place to wander around and shop after indulging a bit! And who wouldn’t want to hit up a brewery? One of my favorite places to relax by the fire pit (now that the weather is cooler!) is Monday Night Brewing.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My family will always be my biggest fans— their support for my love of cooking and their encouragement on the most challenging days while I was in school or in the trenches at various jobs I’ve had is the reason I’m still in the industry today. They are why I had the courage to start my own business. There are so many people who have pushed me harder, believed in me more, and continually inspired me to follow this love of mine. A few come to mind immediately.

My mom— her patience in the kitchen with me when I was little (and even more so now that I’ve been cooking professionally!) is unmatched. She always says “Lauren, one day you’re going to make it. I know it, and I hope I’m around to see it.”

My dad, who has worked tirelessly my entire life so that I could attend culinary school without thousands and thousands of dollars in student debt. He’s a man of few words, but when he says “Lauren, you’ve got a gift” after tasting something I’ve prepared— it means the world.

Next, Ina Garten. Who doesn’t love Ina?! She is God’s gift to the cooking world.

Fourth, Eddie Barrett. I worked on the dining room floor at his restaurant and he told me that I had the brightest future of anyone he’s ever worked alongside. I hold that compliment close to my heart.

Christie Dufault— my wine and beverage professor at The Culinary Institute of America is the most lovely wine professional I’ve ever known. She loves seeing my success and is a powerful mentor as a female in this industry.

Last but certainly not least— Kelsey Barnard Clark. Kelsey and I attended Auburn University together and were in the same sorority. I’ve been following her journey since she left Auburn to pursue her dream of going to culinary school. We’ve kept in touch ever since.

Website: I own the rights to this page, but have not built my website yet: www.lwindhamprovisions.com

Instagram: @lwindhamprovisions and @laurenwindham

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-e-windham

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lwindhamprovisions

Image Credits
Richie Stone, Megan Barrett, Brittany Lindquist, and myself