We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennifer Otis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer, we’d love to hear what makes you happy.
There are so many things that make me happy now because that wasn’t always the case. My happiness came from just changing my thought process on my outlook on life and I’m literally happy everyday, even on the days where I may not be having the best day. There’s a sign that I have in my bedroom that I see everyday when I open my eyes. It reads, “I think I’ll just be happy today!” I find happiness in the simple things of life. Waking up in a peaceful home full of love with my man and son who bring me so much joy. Having a very small circle of friends and family who are supportive and push me to grow, make me happy. Lastly, I’m happy that God has shown me and allowed me to finally walk in my purpose. I get to spread love and positivity in the world thru food on a daily basis. That is such a blessing! Being able to make someone else smile in a world where there’s so much hate, bitterness, and anger is something that money can’t buy and it’s a feeling I never want to stop experiencing.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
This journey of entrepreneurship is not an easy journey. I know that on social media, most people only show the success story. I am being very genuine and candid in my journey because my parent’s have always taught me to be real. The real part of life, is that life isn’t always glamorous and it shouldn’t be. If I never show people my losses or fails, how can I be a vessel to show people how God is real can bring you out of any situation? If we don’t have failure or losses, how can we truly appreciate anything when we do win?! I’m usually an incredibly private person and I still keep the most important parts of my life private to protect my loves ones, but I want people to understand the foundation of my business and what are they supporting because I am so grateful of anyone that rocks with me.

I know my story is different and God called me on this journey that took me years to find out what my true purpose is. Not everyone will understand your calling and it’s not for them to, it’s designed just for you. Honestly, I’ve faced some backlash speaking candidly on my life because it makes them uncomfortable, so they will try to project these negative and false narratives about your character. You may want to try to defend yourself because why would someone be that hate filled to try and tear you down, but that’s just a projection of their own securities. What I’ve learned in this season is to control how I respond to things. While I have people trying to tear me down and praying for me to lose, I still don’t give any energy or attention to negativity. God is continuing to bless me right in front of them. Nobody can stop what God has called for you to do or the blessings that he has just for you, so always stay true to what you feel is right for you because it’s not for everyone to understand. Nor do you need to explain it to anyone who make its their purpose of misunderstanding you.

What sets me apart from others in the same industry, is I’m not enclosed to a box. It’s one of the reasons why I don’t have a standard menu because I can typically make whatever my customer wants according to their dietary needs. I also love creating an ambiance to match the theme of what they have requested. An event for me starts visually with the decor according to the theme desired. Having some of the best food your tastebuds have ever encountered is just the icing on the cake. Wrapping an event with laughter, smiles and filled with love is my goal for each and every customer!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am so blessed to be able to have people in my life who play a part in my journey on a daily basis. I would say that my parents are the first people that I need to give credit to. They have always been encouraging and allowed me to make many mistakes in life without judgment. They have always taught me to be true to myself and be focused on whatever I wanted to pursue, because I am capable of doing whatever I put my mind to. They didn’t stop being parents when I became an adult and that’s what I’m most grateful for. Guiding me thru some of my most challenging times thru adulthood and teaching me how to be resilient are just a couple of the many gifts they have given me.

I think I took for granted the relationship I had with them when I was younger because I thought everyone was blessed with the beautiful life that they gave me, but life showed me that what they gave me was rare and I’m the woman I am today because of them. I am truly blessed! I’m grateful for every single person that has helped me thus far in this journey because you genuinely believe in me and want to see me win. Having people like this shows me how God’s love is real and I’m forever grateful! All my wins are shared wins! This is why I will always use these blessings in a positive way and be able to bless someone else how people have poured into me!

Website: igotthevittles.com

Instagram: igotthevittles

Facebook: I Got the Vittles

Yelp: I Got the Vittles

Youtube: Jennio.Vittles

Other: Tiktok: Jennio. Vittles Etsy: JennioVittles Cookbook: found.us

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutOhio is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.