Paula Deen is one of the most popular cooks on Food Network, but many people don’t realize that this Southern cook hasn’t always had it easy. In fact, there was a time when Paula Deen was almost broke. Still she managed to turn her life around and is an inspiration to many women across America. Her life story is truly amazing and the little known facts about her life are truly inspiring.
Little Known Facts about Paula Deen #1: Started Her Business with $200
In the late 80s, Paula Deen left her husband and was forced to come up with a way to support herself and her two children. With only $200 to her name she started a catering business called The Bag Lady. She fixed sandwiches and other items and her sons delivered the food to local businesses. This business would eventually turn into her famous Savannah restaurant The Lady & Sons.
Little Known Facts about Paula Deen #2: Once Worked in a Bank
Before catering became part of Paula Deen’s life, she worked as a bank teller. While Paula Deen was working as a bank teller she had the misfortune of being robbed. A man entered the bank and actually held a gun to Paula’s head demanding all the money. It may have been a scary moment in her life, but it helped Paula Deen to face one of her biggest fears head on.
Little Known Facts about Paula Deen #3: Once Suffered from Agoraphobia
Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder in which the person constantly worries about experiencing an embarrassing situation or even worse. In Paula Deen’s case, she constantly worried about dieing. She also worried about her children dieing. This condition started after she lost both of her parents. She lived with this condition for over 20 years, but the bank robbery she survived changed all of that. After the bank robbery, Paula Deen was able to overcome her agoraphobia and start her road to success.
Little Known Facts about Paula Deen #4: Cooked at a Best Western
The Bag Lady eventually led to Paula Deen cooking in a kitchen at the Best Western. The increase in space was wonderful, but she was required to cook all of the meals served at the Best Western. This meant that Paula Deen would have to work really hard. She even spent nights sleeping in one of the restaurant’s booths. But, it got her one step closer to owning The Lady & Sons.
Little Known Facts about Paula Deen #5: Is an Actress
In 2005, Paula Deen made her acting debut as Aunt Dora in the movie Elizabethtown. While the part was short, her character was extremely lovable and typical of any Southern aunt. People from the South will tell you that Paula Deen’s part was very realistic. If you’re a Paula Deen fan, you must catch this movie.
Little Known Facts about Paula Deen #6: Has a Magazine
If you love Paula Deen, you will love her magazine. Each issue has delicious recipes and heartwarming updates on her family. Paula Deen is a very open person who continues to make her fans feel like part of the family through her magazine.
Little Known Facts about Paula Deen #7: Her Wedding Was Documented by Food Network
Paula Deen is so open that she even allowed Food Network to film her wedding. Many people may think this was just publicity, but it wasn’t. Paula Deen actually loves for her fans to feel like part of her extended family. Many people who have met Paula Deen in person have been greeted with a warm hug and nothing but good old-fashioned Southern hospitality.
