The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Catering company has a new owner
After beginning her externship at Pink Peppercorn Catering at 501 Lake Ave. in Elyria four years ago, Nicole Spearman finally reached her dream in June.
Spearman became her own boss by doing what she loves the most; entertaining and cooking.
While working on receiving her culinary arts degree at Lorain County Community College at 40 years old, Spearman began her externship to receive college credit in 2013 at Pink Peppercorn Catering.
After earning her culinary arts certificate, spending time helping out in the Peppercorn kitchen and working on jobs with owner Judy Keys, the ownership of the catering company was passed down to her.
Pink Peppercorn has served citizens in and out of Lorain County since 1986 with Keys as the original owner.
The company provides catering services for all types of functions such as weddings, graduations, outdoor cookouts, corporate events and all gatherings where meals, snacks and fine hors d’oeuvres are served.
Keys decided to retire from her many years with Pink Peppercorn so that she could have more time to relax and focus on her other job as a substitute teacher, Spearman said.
She said that during her time with Keys, the two would joke about what Spearman wanted to do with her career.
Spearman said she always loved hosting events, cooking and entertaining her family at her home, but wanted to make a career out of it and have a catering business of her own.
She added Keys gave her that opportunity by the beginning of this year and was happy to take full own- ership in June.
Not only was the company handed over to her, but the clients and menu stayed the same.
Spearman said the clients have made an amazing transition from the previous owner to her new ownership. She said she even gained new customers of her own.
“(Keys) has had certain customers for so long,” Spearman said. “I just want (the company) to remain the same, with the same integrity she has.”
Before starting her journey as the owner of her own catering company, Spearman said she was a stay at home mom taking care of her son Damien, who has cerebral palsy.
Now that she has her own business to run, she said he can join his mother while she prepares the foods for different events.
There are a few individuals who help Spearman during busy times like the holidays to prepare food for certain events, but she said she mostly does much on her own.
“It’s something I’ve always wanted,” she said. “It’s not a job to me; this is complete therapy.”
Spearman said she wants to maintain the customers Keys had and continue to gain more.
She also added how thankful she is that Keys gave her the opportunity she always wanted, and hopes utilize all parts of her company so the business can grow.
“(Former owner Judy Keys) has had certain customers for so long. I just want (the company) to remain the same, with the same integrity she has.”