We were lucky to catch up with Juanita Wall recently and have shared our conversation below.
Juanita , thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
My great grandmother. She was an extraordinary woman, a true pillar of strength and compassion. It’s incredible how she balanced so many roles—wife, mother, missionary, and more—while maintaining such a powerful presence in my life. Her ability to lead with both love and discipline, and to teach by example, left a profound impact on me.
The way she shared her skills and wisdom, especially through cooking, created not just meals but lasting memories and bonds. It’s beautiful how these moments in the kitchen became a way to connect with her and learn from her. Her legacy of service and love, both in her community and within your family, is a testament to the deep and lasting influence she had.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I work full time as Director of IT & EMR for one of the largest independent multi-specialty practices in Charlotte, North Carolina. My career has immensely grown in areas of Clinical Informatics, Network Security, IT Infrastructure and all things as it relates to Business Operations. When I am not working in my career field, my true passion illuminates anytime there’s an opportunity to cook and serve others. Cooking and serving food is a deeply exciting and special experience because it combines creativity, connection, and the joy of bringing people together. The heart of my catering business, Los Catering, traces its roots back to my great grandmother, whose passion for cooking was a cornerstone of our family life. Her lessons in the kitchen, where we bonded over the creation of meals, instilled in me not just culinary skills but a profound appreciation for the power of food to connect and comfort.
Seeing the delight on people’s faces as they enjoy the dishes I prepare brings me immense joy. It’s a continuation of her legacy, transforming simple ingredients into experiences that nourish both body and soul.
Our catering service, Los Catering, has had the honor of being featured in Sam’s Club Women’s History Month for our entrepreneurial spirit and dedication. During the pandemic, we provided essential support by serving meals at local COVID-19 clinics in Charlotte, NC, demonstrating our commitment to community care and service. This journey from my great grandmother’s kitchen to a recognized business reflects not just a personal passion but a legacy of giving and connection through food.
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?
In reflecting on my journey, three qualities stand out as particularly impactful: discipline, humility, and love.
Discipline has been crucial in maintaining consistency and pushing through challenges. It’s about staying focused on long-term goals and putting in the hard work necessary to achieve them. For those early in their journey, developing discipline means setting clear goals, creating a structured plan, and committing to it even when motivation wanes. Regularly revisiting and refining your approach can help maintain this discipline.
Humility has guided me in learning from others and recognizing that success is not solely my own doing. It involves listening to feedback, being open to new ideas, and acknowledging that growth often comes from understanding one’s limitations. For newcomers, embracing humility means seeking mentorship, being receptive to constructive criticism, and valuing the contributions of those around you.
Love has been the driving force behind my passion and the way I connect with others. It’s about infusing every effort with genuine care and concern for others’ well-being. To cultivate love in your journey, focus on why you are doing what you’re doing and let that passion shine through in your interactions and work. Building strong, empathetic relationships with others will also help in nurturing this quality.
By embracing and developing these qualities—discipline, humility, and love—you can build a strong foundation for success and create meaningful, impactful experiences in your personal and professional life.
For those early in their journey, focusing on developing discipline, humility, and love can set a strong foundation for growth and success. Here’s how you can cultivate these qualities:
Discipline: Start by setting clear, achievable goals and creating a structured plan to reach them. Break down your goals into smaller, manageable tasks and stick to a consistent routine. Develop a habit of regular self-assessment to stay on track and adjust your strategies as needed. Remember, discipline is about persistence and commitment, even when enthusiasm wanes.
Humility: Approach your journey with an open mind and a willingness to learn from others. Seek out mentors, ask for feedback, and listen actively to those around you. Acknowledge that there is always more to learn and that every experience—whether a success or setback—provides valuable insights. Embrace collaboration and recognize the contributions of others to your growth.
Love: Infuse your work with passion and care. Reflect on why your goals matter to you and let that drive guide your actions. Build genuine relationships by showing empathy and consideration for others. By focusing on creating positive impacts and connecting with people on a personal level, you can foster a supportive and fulfilling environment for yourself and those around you.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
My daughter and friends have been instrumental in helping me overcome challenges, offering unwavering support and encouragement throughout my journey. Their presence has been a constant source of strength and motivation, reminding me of the value of community and the power of close relationships. Their help has been pivotal in navigating obstacles, providing both practical assistance and emotional resilience when needed.
Reflecting on my great grandmother and the life experiences that shaped me, I see how crucial they’ve been in developing the essential skills and qualities for success. My great grandmother’s example of discipline, humility, and love laid a strong foundation. Her lessons in discipline taught me the importance of commitment and perseverance. Her humility inspired me to seek continual learning and to value the contributions of others. Her love demonstrated how genuine care and passion can drive meaningful connections and impactful work.
These attributes, combined with the support from my daughter and friends, have been vital in my journey. They’ve helped me build a resilient mindset, a strong work ethic, and a deep sense of purpose, equipping me to face challenges with confidence and grace.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loscatering
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loscateringnc
Image Credits
www.instagram.com/picman704 Headshot
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.