GIRL SCOUT COOKIES
Inspired by girl entrepreneurs in the Girl Scout Cookie Program , and created for all Girl Scout Cookie lovers, these zesty lemon cookies are positively fun and bold! ® ™
CLAY AND JESSICA FALKNER WITH CHILDREN MIA, 12, AND LINCOLN, 7.
“I didn’t think I’d be the next concert pianist at Carnegie Hall, so I wanted to find something I could do with my life,” said Falkner. “My parents were pretty shocked at graduation!” Falkner comes by her self-reliance and determination naturally. After years of supporting her dad in his career as a minister, her mom earned a master’s of divinity from the University of California, Berkeley at age 50. Falkner’s younger sister and brother attended college in Oklahoma, her sister returning to Malaysia and her brother making his home in Edmond. Solidifying a dream Though Falkner enjoys playing the piano, especially to review what daughter, Mia, 12, is learning in her lessons, it was her foresight in earning her business degree that’s been the foundation of her professional life. After college Falkner managed Taste of China restaurants before seeking a corporate career. In 2008, the Falkners considered their professional futures and made a huge leap, purchasing the space that would become Signature Grill. “We were young and in a pretty bad economic recession,” recalls Falkner. “It was not the best time to be opening a restaurant, but after the price got down to what we could afford we decided to jump on it.” Clay, with years of experience in the industry, including as executive chef of Deep Fork Grill, had a vision for the intimate space, which he and Jessica painted and decorated themselves.
“Clay wanted to cook his own dishes and had a true vision for how he wanted his food to be, where you pair your own sides with your entree and get to customize your menu,” said Falkner. With concern about Falkner’s company restructuring, the duo created a job for her at the restaurant, handling the business operations. Drawing on her business acumen and restaurant experience, Falkner refined an environment that feels like home, both to patrons and employees. “With my servers, I don’t have a training manual or huge test to know everything on the menu,” said Falkner. “Everyone I hire has something to bring to the table, and if we just amplify their strengths and good qualities, it puts them at ease and gives them the freedom to read their tables and express themselves.” The venture into self-employment expanded again two years ago to include opening a second restaurant, Bistro Twenty Two, with friend and chef Ryan Murphy. Mixing marriage and business When it comes to working with her husband, Falkner says there are pros and cons. “Owning a business sounds so wonderful in your head, but we almost didn’t know what we were getting into,” said Falkner. “Being business partners, a couple and parents together is taking on a lot.” Falkner focuses on the positive that she and Clay set business priorities together. For
Perfect for sharing! Just like a G.I.R.L. (Go-getter,
Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader)™ , each cookie has something bright and inspiring to say. Choose one that expresses your personality. Or share with friends to Lemon-Up their day!
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METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / FEBRUARY 2020 37
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