06/29/2024
✨MEET THE OWNER✨
Hi, I’m Jenelle, proud owner of Lola’s Filipino Cuisine! Most of you know me by my infamous lumpia 😂 but I wear many hats. I am a wife to a very supportive & loving husband. A mother to three beautiful children. I’ve also been an active duty Soldier in the Army for the past 11 years, currently stationed at Fort Jackson, SC.
▪️Who is Lola?
Lola in Tagalog (Filipino) means Grandma. Growing up, my paternal grandparents owned a meat shop called “Lola’s Tocino” in Jacksonville, Florida where I was born and raised. Over time, my grandfather got sick & they were unable to maintain orders at the shop, so they had to let it go. My siblings & I spent afternoons with them playing in the yard & picking fresh fruit off the trees, playing in and out of the walk-in freezer 😂 My grandpa passed a few years ago, but I know he’d be proud. When my friend suggested I started a business, I thought “Lola’s” would be perfect because most of my recipes come from my grandma or my dad and a small legacy from them can continue on.
▪️What inspired you?
My interest in cooking came from watching my grandparents and my own parents always preparing food for family and friends. I’d always sit on the counter or stand beside whomever was in the kitchen just watching. It was always a feast, no matter how big or small the event (and yes, karaoke was often included LOL) Even in my adult life, I try to do the same for my family and our guests and there is ALWAYS enough for people to take home. I loved how food always brought people together.
▪️How do you juggle being in the Army AND a business AND care for three kids?
I don’t 😂 lol jk. I try my best, but it helps having a very supportive husband and living in SUCH a supportive community. My parents are also very supportive & help me on the legal side of the business. My girls love walking deliveries up to your doors 🥰
▪️Have you ever thought about owning a food truck or restaurant?
YES. I wish I did this full time! I’m over half way to retirement in the Army so it won’t happen now, but hopefully later on down the line.
▪️Where in the Philippines are you from?
I was actually born & raised in Florida, but my parents are from the Philippines & we were raised in a very traditional Filipino & Christian household. Mom is from Pasay, dad is from Tarlac. They migrated to the US in the 1980’s
▪️Do you speak Tagalog?
Tagalog is actually my first language! I didn’t learn English until I was 5 (watching American cartoons). I can understand it completely, but I’m not so fluent with speaking anymore, although I try.
▪️Do you cater?
ALSO YES! Being that I do this as a side business, I do need at least a weeks notice for larger orders 🙏🏽
▪️Do you have pets?
No, I do not have pets 😂 I know this is a concern for some when it comes to supporting a home-based food business.
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Thank you to ALL my customers for supporting our small business! I cannot express my gratitude enough. I love that I’m able to share a small part of my family with you through food. 🥰🇵🇭
