Meet Adrienne Falcone Godsell

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Adrienne Falcone Godsell. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Adrienne, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

I believe the development of confidence and self-esteem is a lifelong journey.

Growing up in the 1970s, I was the “fat kid”, then the one who didn’t fit any one category — called names, excluded from the cool crowd in middle and high school, and often on the receiving end of what we now openly call bullying. My parents taught us to rise above hurtful comments, to focus on the people who stick by you through both good and bad times — those are your true family.

That’s not to say the words and teasing didn’t hurt. They did. So did not being invited to parties, being laughed at when I asked a boy to dance at a Sadie Hawkins Day event, being picked last in P.E., or being one of the few without Valentine’s Day flowers. But even in those moments, I built deep and lasting friendships that grew from those awkward adolescent years.

Looking back, I believe those experiences shaped me. They pushed me to find joy and confidence in same places in different ways — academics, activities I loved and excelled at, and opportunities that took me out of my comfort zone and into circles beyond my immediate peers. I was fortunate to have incredible educators, counsellors, and mentors who encouraged me every step of the way.

I learned to celebrate my uniqueness rather than hide it. If someone was uncomfortable with who I was, I let that be their discomfort — not mine. My parents encouraged independent thinking, and I’ve carried that forward. While I grew up in a traditional Sicilian household with clear rules and boundaries, I was also taught that whatever work I chose should bring me both joy and success.

That belief became even more important after a serious car accident ended my dream of becoming a college professor. I pivoted to culinary arts, and today I’m proud to be a holistic chef, author, and host of Healthy Meals In Minutes on RHSTV.com — and now, the creator of Cannoli Falcone, a roaming cannoli experience for special events.

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?

As a solopreneur holistic chef, I’ve built my business around helping people eat well without the overwhelm. My core services include personalized meal prep, intimate dinner parties, and corporate wellness programs such as lunch-and-learns and health fair recipe demonstrations.

To expand my reach, I’ve published two recipe books and created two recorded masterclasses — one Keto, one Paleo — so people can learn at their own pace from anywhere.

After participating in the JMI Entrepreneur Cohort and The University of Tampa’s Spartan Incubator, new opportunities and ambitions began to take shape. One of the most exciting is my latest offering: Cannoli Falcone — a roaming cannoli experience perfect for galas, weddings, holiday parties, retirement celebrations, and more.

What started as a passion to share the flavors of health and the ease of preparing nourishing meals has evolved into a multifaceted brand. I believe food is more than fuel — it’s connection. We all have our journeys, complete with bumps, mountains, and valleys, and I see my work as a way to help people savor life and support one another along the way.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

When I look back, the three qualities that have been most impactful on my journey are:

A positive attitude – choosing to see challenges as opportunities for growth.

Faith and prayer – keeping me grounded and focused on a bigger purpose.

Discernment – surrounding myself with like-minded people who encourage growth, and letting go of those individuals, companies, or networking groups that don’t empower or follow through on their commitments.

My best advice for those early in their journey is simple but powerful:

Trust your instincts. If something/someone feels “too good to be true,” they probably are. if someone shuts you down or does not have your back, they do not know who you are and your why.

Know your worth. Don’t discount your services just to land business — bargain hunters rarely become long-term clients.

Pay attention to red flags. If someone shuts you down for asking questions, they’re not the right person to have in your circle.

Leverage your local resources. Find your Small Business Development Center, Entrepreneur Collaborative Center, and One Million Cups community. On a budget? Attend free seminars, meet other entrepreneurs, and discover where your skills and passions fit best.

In short — protect your energy, invest in your growth, and align yourself with people and opportunities that help you thrive.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was believe in me. They instilled a deep sense of purpose — teaching me that what we do, how we speak to others, and the way we represent ourselves all matter.

Their approach wasn’t always wrapped in soft, feel-good words. While they were strict, structured, and never sugarcoated the truth, it was always with love. We had responsibilities, and freedoms were limited when compared to the “norm”.

And yet, within that structure, they encouraged us to be our authentic selves — and accepted us for who we were, even when our choices didn’t align with their plans. They wanted us to be successful, productive, and, most importantly, happy in both our work and our lives.

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