In the latest episode of Turning Tables, Host and Growth Strategist, Kathleen Wood, and her guest, Rose Previte, Founder of Compass Rose and Maydan, sit down to discuss culture, entrepreneurship, and the importance of finding joy. 

Wood asks Previte to share a little about her background and why tables are literally important to her. Previte talks about receiving a table and chair set on her 3rd birthday from her mother. She shares how her mother taught her many lessons around that table, from sharing vulnerability to being hospitable and feeding people. She says, “I used that skill that my mother instilled early on to open two restaurants.” Previte is referring to her first two restaurants, Compass Rose and Maydan. She talks about having a new appreciation for American entrepreneurship and shares that she is in the process of opening two new restaurants in Northern Virginia, as well as one in Los Angeles, which is expected to open next spring, and she is currently launching a wine company.

They talk about Previte bringing international food to the restaurant scene in the D.C. area and about exposing people to cultures they might never get to otherwise. Previte says, “I did want to break down barriers and create awareness about cultures, you know, through food and beverage, that Americans might not know about, and so that, that really, really makes me happy and that drives me.” She talks about Maydan being a Middle Eastern, 100% fire-based restaurant that was inspired by and dedicated to the beautiful women in her family who taught her to host and cook. 

Previte reflects on a time when she was in another career field, but how her heart just kept going back to food and hospitality. She talks about her dedication and passion for the industry and the joy that it brings to her. Wood says, “You can do a lot if you're passionate if you're energized by it, but if it's not bringing joy, then check why it's not. She adds, “Find the joy in all that you do and you'll find a great life in the process.”

Tune into the podcast to hear more from Wood and Previte about the labor market, professionalized employment, and creating opportunities for employees, or you can listen on iTunes Now!

Produced by Lisa Pepe