06/27/2026
Last night, I had the incredible honor of accepting the Camden County Chamber of Commerce's 2026 Small Business of the Year Award on behalf of Wandaful Things.
To say I'm grateful would be an understatement.
The truth is, this award found me during one of the hardest seasons of my life. While many have seen the smiles, the events, the cooking, and the community work, very few have seen the tears, the uncertainty, or the moments I've questioned whether I had anything left to give.
There have been countless times I've wondered if what I was doing was enough. If I was enough.
So to be recognized by a community that I love and have poured my heart into for so many years is something I'll never be able to fully put into words.
I've never served this community for recognition. I do it because I genuinely believe food brings people together, kindness matters, and we all have the opportunity to make someone's day a little brighter.
This award doesn't belong to me alone.
It belongs to every person who has supported Wandaful Things, attended an event, shared a post, bought a meal, encouraged me when I wanted to quit, trusted me with an opportunity, or simply believed in me before I believed in myself.
Thank you to the Camden County Chamber of Commerce for this incredible honor. Thank you to my family, my friends, my customers, and this amazing community for allowing me to do what I love.
This recognition isn't the end of the journey—it's encouragement to keep going.
There is still so much work to do, so many people to serve, and so much love left to give.
With my whole heart...
Thank you for seeing me.
Here's to continuing to spread love, build community, and feed souls. 💙
— Chef Wanda
