Launching tea events on Mother’s Day has a deep significance for Bergan. Sadly, she lost her mother to breast cancer 10 years ago. “I think of her every day and still hear her advice whispered to me all the time,” said Bergan. “Not only did she loan me the money to start this business, she was also my inspiration and my biggest fan.” She continued, “When I had friends over for sleepovers as a kid, we didn’t have much money, but we would wake up to waffles and fresh fruit served on her mother’s best china with fancy silverware, orange juice in wine glasses, and hot tea poured into teacups. She made ordinary moments feel special.”
And that’s what Bergan aims to do for other people through food and experiences. “Sometimes I still cannot believe this is what I get to do for a living,” said Bergan. “It may sound cheesy, but some mornings when I'm alone in the kitchen prepping, the feeling of gratitude overwhelms me that I have stuck it out all of these years through the good and the tough times. Then my friends come in after their day jobs to help finish up cooking, set the tables, greet the guests, and serve the food. It really doesn’t get any better than that for me!” FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT CHEFJENI.COM+
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