Story & Lesson Highlights with Demeatrie Funderburk

We recently had the chance to connect with Demeatrie Funderburk and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Demeatrie , thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I would say that currently I am wandering a bit on the path less traveled. As an only child & multi-hyphenate creative, I am constantly building multiple worlds that have various branches. Each one of those branches come with its thorns and dead leaves however, I have always told myself to just stay the course. We all want to be on the yellow brick road, but sometimes, that requires traveling paths that are handcrafted as you go. Adopting that philosophy has allowed me to grant myself grace when things are more difficult than I would like.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Why hello all you great, grand, wonderful people in the universe. My name is Demeatrie Funderburk and I am the owner of Grifter & Grape. We are a culinary company that focuses on community, nutrition and education by way of privatized events, gatherings and cooking classes. With a focus on highlighting global cuisines, we are a conduit between worlds. So yes, you may have been “grifted” into thinking you’re here for the food, but truly our intent is to show how food interconnects the people, the planet and the stories we tell.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
The world will tell you that ideas bigger than your body need to be contained unless you look, sound or show up a certain way. We are in an age where authenticity is being fabricated and true artistry is being packaged to fit into pretty, recognizable boxes deemed as popularity. I do not believe in this philosophy. I was raised to do whatver made my heart happy. Those dreams were the only things that seemed free of outside influences. With each passing year around the sun, I try to shed more of who I thought I was meant to be and just allow myself to be.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Absolutely! I think anyone who is true to themselves, no matter when and to what capacity, has wanted to burn it all down. Being a small business owner, you recognize that success is not linear and will be defined by what you value in the world. I have always had to come back to base when something did not go the way I planned or when I was disappointed by an experience. The best advice I could ever give anyone, that took me forever to learn, is that you have to be your own North Star. Deep inside of you is always something that clicks the switch and that return to self will never steer you wrong. Trust your voice. Trust your visions and don’t give up because no one else will do this thing for you. If it wasn’t meant to happen, you would have never seen it.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I am committed to “building my table.” And I do not mean that solely as a metaphor. My late Father taught me to embrace the differences between people by breaking bread and sharing their space. I have very fond memories of getting to know our Belgian landlords & my Father’s Greek best friend over multiple meals. That sentiment is something that has traveled with me throughout my lifetime. To honor his legacy, I have this vision of building a communal table, in the backyard of a B&B and hosting dinners that focus on the culture and camradarie around us.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
I feel like that is what we all should be doing. Just like it is stated that you should dance like nobody’s watching, I wish people would adopt that philosophy when it comes to applying themselves, being kind and showing up. Everyone has the right and agency to take up space. The best way to do that is to be the best version of yourself that you can be at all times. Life is gritty and difficult. We are in an age where there has to be fanfare for some to do what’s right. Yet oft times, that’s not necessarily what is correct, just what is accepted by most.
I’ve always done what is in the best lane of humanity. There doesn’t have to be praise.

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