We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kori Jones. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kori below.
Kori, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
Developing confidence and healthy self-esteem has truly been an ongoing process, and one that isn’t finished yet. In my experience, it’s happened more naturally with age and maturity. I think of it as a gift I’ve given myself as a reward for a long, happy life. One key factor that has contributed to my feeling self-assured is my dedication to pursuing my passions. I have always loved the idea of gathering people around food with intention and care. Looking back, it seems obvious that this is what I was always meant to do, but in many ways it felt like a sudden realization. It just dawned on me one day that hosting parties and dinners, and fostering connections in my community through a shared food experience could transform into a business concept. I have worked hard to become a resource for crafting extraordinary gatherings that bring people together through beautiful, versatile and delicious grazing platters. Engaging in activities I love helps me acknowledge my intrinsic value. It feels good to create beauty and alleviate stress for people who don’t have the same experience or interest in pulling together a great party. Becoming an entrepreneur and watching my business grow has been a big confidence boost for me.
I’d say that I’ve developed resilience and humility, which are both key components to healthy self-esteem, during the times when my plans didn’t unfold as expected. Don’t undervalue the lessons learned from failure. Failure can be a profound teacher. It took some time for me to realize that the world doesn’t come crashing down simply because something didn’t go my way, or according to plan. It’s confidence that allows you to get back up and try again.
As time has passed, I’ve collected experiences and lessons, determining what to do, and even more importantly, what NOT to do. I think of them as tools in my toolbox, ready and available to me when I need them.
Patience is key. Confidence is not something that can be rushed; it matures at its own pace, I suppose, like wine. While the “fake it until you make it” approach can work for a time, ultimately, everyone has to do the work, live and learn, and let that authentic confidence build inside of them.
Above all, the most vital lesson I’ve learned is the importance of allowing oneself the time to grow, learn, and flourish. At every stage of the journey, each moment and action contributes to personal growth and development. To those on a similar path, I would offer the advice to embrace this ongoing process and remember that confidence is a lifelong companion that thrives when it’s nurtured.
Seeing the joy and delight on people’s faces as they enjoy my creations gave me such a sense of accomplishment. It made me realize that I had a unique talent that brought people together and made significant life moments even more special. This not only boosted my self-esteem but also fueled my determination to keep improving and innovating in my business.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I like to think of myself as a complete resource for the home host, offering guidance about what to serve and how to serve it, from flowers to table linens to a bar menu. While the core of my business is creating swoon-worthy grazing platters that clients can order for all sorts of gatherings and events, I also love to share my ideas and tips for every aspect of hosting a phenomenal gathering, whether that’s teaching people how to create their own grazing platters, or providing a full-stop party plan. The concept of bringing people together through a shared food experience is what I like to call a purposeful gathering. Putting thought and effort into presentation, and creating a delicious spread for friends and family. Has always held a special place in my heart. My husband’s extended family and mine are all out of state, and because of that geographical distance that’s separated us from our loved ones, we’ve created a community of friends—many of whom are also far away from their family of origin— that feel very familial. Hosting that community of friends has been a significant source of joy for us. Creating a warm, inviting atmosphere is key to hosting an effortless, easy gathering. That’s how the grazing platters became the focus for me. They’re the perfect way to foster connections because they encourage mingling, sharing, and communion over a shared spread. Over the years, as we continued to host our “chosen family” from various backgrounds, it became evident to me that a welcoming ambiance, coupled with grazing platters, truly unites people. People don’t stay strangers for very long if they’re all gathered around a bountiful table.
The process of hosting, for us, is more than just setting a table and preparing a meal; it’s a labor of love. It involves curating an environment where conversations flow naturally, laughter is abundant, and friendships are nourished. Through these gatherings, we aim to bridge the physical gap that separates us from our biological families, while forging deep bonds with our chosen family.
In essence, our commitment to intentional gatherings around food serves as a testament to the power of human connection, resilience, and the unwavering importance of creating a nurturing and inclusive space for those we hold dear. It’s a testament to the idea that family isn’t solely defined by blood but by the bonds we forge and the love we share, all of which can be celebrated and nurtured over a beautifully set table and a warm, inviting meal.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
BE KIND, LISTEN, AND BE FLEXIBLE.
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities that have had a significant impact are kindness, the ability to listen, and flexibility. To clarify, kindness is key, but it needs to be balanced with firmness. Leading with kindness and understanding can foster a genuine desire in others to help you succeed. It creates a positive environment where collaboration thrives.
Secondly, the ability to listen is crucial. People often reveal their true intentions and desires if you pay close attention to what they’re saying. Once you truly tune in, you’ll gain valuable insights that allow you to set realistic expectations and professional boundaries, and not take things personally. Lastly, flexibility has been vital in my journey. Recognizing that expectations and demands can be challenging to meet, and that sometimes unexpected circumstances require a change of course, is essential. Being adaptable and open to new paths, even when they aren’t immediately clear, can lead to unforeseen opportunities.
For those early in their journey, my advice is to cultivate these qualities:
1. **Kindness with Firmness**: Approach interactions with a kind and empathetic demeanor, but also assertively communicate your own expectations and boundaries.
2. **Active Listening**: Develop your listening skills to understand others’ perspectives and needs better. This will help you navigate challenges and build stronger relationships.
3. **Flexibility and Adaptability**: Embrace change and uncertainty as opportunities for growth. Be open to shifting your plans and strategies when necessary, as this can lead to unexpected but rewarding outcomes in the long run.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Absolutely, collaboration is at the heart of my work, and I’m always eager to connect with individuals who share a passion for the art of entertaining and bringing people together. I am particularly interested in collaborating with creative professionals such as florists, table linen designers, event planners, boutique owners, and any creatives who love to collaborate and craft memorable experiences. I love the idea of exploring ways to combine our talents and expertise to create exceptional gatherings that leave a lasting impression on people’s hearts and minds. Anyone really that is interested in making magic happen and bring even more joy to our shared endeavors in the world of hosting and creating memorable experiences
Contact Info:
- Website: https://simplelifethings.com/
- Instagram: @simple.life.things
- Other: TIKTOK @simple.life.things THREADS @simple.life.things
Image Credits
ALL PHOTO CREDITS ARE SIMPLE LIFE THINGS EXCEPT: Image of Kori in Black dress photo credit is Megan Small Image and image titled Maya/Sowden 1 photo credit Porter House LA
