Joann Roth-Oseary began her catering business, Someone’s In The Kitchen, more than 37 years ago. It was met with enthusiasm, and she went on to expand her services from a one-woman operation to one of the largest and most successful catering companies in the country. Roth-Oseary is a passionate community leader and has spearheaded initiatives that have fed 4,000 indigents and distributed 10,000 garments of clothing and essentials near “Skid Row.” She is also a behind-the-scenes activist on behalf of organizations including Aids Project Los Angeles, LA’s Best, Institute for Cancer and Blood Research, and the Concern Foundation for Cancer Research. She also serves on various boards within her industry.
Who has inspired you throughout your business journey, and what is the most important thing you’ve learned from them?
My biggest inspiration has been from my industry colleagues who have become friends over the decades.
The most important thing I’ve learned from them is to keep honesty, dignity, and integrity throughout, and for your “business self” to be the same person as your “personal self”.
What made you decide to go into the industry you’re in now? What have you learned about it?
There is a saying that talks about “when a writer finds their voice”. Being creative with food was where my “voice” was to be found. That further developed into the fuller stroke of special events.
When I started 41 years ago, a party was a “balloon”. My trailblazer colleagues and I developed an industry that did not really exist until the very early 1980’s. I have since learned about continuing the journey with younger generations and what leadership truly means.
Has Covid-19 left any noticeable impacts on how you or your company operate?
We never missed a day of work over here. I was always determined to keep our ship steady no matter what it took. My employees had been with me for decades and I was not going to abandon them.
The watchword over here is that we all eat from the same cake and that there needs to be a piece for everyone.
What is the number one piece of advice you’d give to women who want to start or operate their own businesses?
My number one piece of advice is to always remember that no one loves your baby the same way that you love your baby. So, take care of your baby!
Hard work, long hours, diligence, respect, and honesty are, to me, the keys to success.
What have you done this past year to ensure that your business is a leader?
We are constantly testing new things, as we have so many repeat clients who have been with us literally for decades.
It is always about “what is new?” so we make an effort to always be on the lookout.
I am on the boards of several industry charitable groups and try to lead by example while keeping the value of giving back with me.
What steps do you take to build community and a positive work culture within your business?
The words respect and dignity command this workplace.
We always think about what something would feel like if it was ourselves on the receiving end of a comment or question.
That, I believe, will always lead you in the right direction.
What aspects of operating your business do you find the most challenging? Conversely, which aspects have been the most rewarding?
The honest answer from any business owner will be that the biggest challenge is the people.
Managing different personalities and keeping all of the balls in the air make for a challenge.
The reward is always the trip to the bank and having the luxury of loving what you do, so that the work is really not work.
I am happy every day when I walk in the door.
Has being a woman in your industry provided you with a different or unique perspective over the years?
I was raised to believe that I could do anything. My beloved parents of blessed memory were like living each day with a whole cheerleading squad at your back.
Knowing that deep inside has always propelled me to the head of the class.
Has your career path to achieving success differed due to your gender identity?
Absolutely not.