REAL MOMS OF THE METRO
Real Moms of the Metro: Jessica Falkner (3p + ad)Page 37: Real Moms of the Metro: Jessica Falkner (3p + ad) Page 38: Real Moms of the Metro: Jessica Falkner (3p + ad)Page 39: Real Moms of the Metro: Jessica Falkner (3p + ad)
BY ERIN PAGE . PHOTOS BY HEATHER CARPENTER PHOTOGRAPHY. Jessica Falkner
When guests enter Edmond’s Signature Grill restaurant, owner Jessica Falkner’s warm welcome is like one of a treasured friend. Owning the restaurant for the past 11 years has allowed couple Clay and Jessica Falkner to take charge of their family’s future and make lasting connections with community members. “It’s truly the friendships we have built that mean the most,” said Falkner. “I’ve seen kids graduate high school, go off to college, get married and start their own families. I get to be in the center of that because people celebrate milestones at the restaurant. It’s been really rewarding.” Perhaps what most endears friends and strangers alike to Falkner are her authenticity and kindness. The mom of two is both affirming and willing to be vulnerable about everyday struggles, giving those around her the freedom to be their true selves, too.
Preparing for the future Clay, born and raised in Bethany, and Jessica, an Oklahoma transplant, met while working in Northpark Mall. Jessica moved here from Malaysia just after turning 18 to pursue a piano performance degree at Oklahoma City University, her family’s first choice over Australia’s Sydney Conservatorium of Music. The culture shock was extreme, but Falkner quickly made friends and enjoyed college life in her adopted hometown to the fullest. “International students have no other family around so friends truly become like family,” said Falkner, still close with many of her college friends. Falkner earned a bachelor’s degree in music, and, unbeknownst to her parents, a second degree in business administration.
JESSICA AND CLAY FALKNER OWN TWO RESTAURANTS TOGETHER, SIGNATURE GRILL AND BISTRO TWENTY TWO.
36 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / FEBRUARY 2020
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