Aimee Mestad shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Aimee, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
I think everybody most likely struggles with FOMO (fear of missing out), I do, like on social media people usually only post the really exciting things happening in their life and skip over the less interesting things.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My husband and I have 4 kids ages 12 down to 7 months, we are very blessed to own and operate Simply Barbecue in Supply, NC which is on the mainland just over the bridge from Holden Beach. Our operation is very unique because of it’s size, we operate out of a 40ft trailer which holds all of our equipment including the 6ft 6 rack rotisserie smoker. The focus of our brand is to execute a smaller menu in an exceptional way by focusing on food quality and the service we give our customers.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
The person who taught me the most about work is my mother. I remember her attending nursing school when I was really little while she was raising myself and my 2 sisters, as I grew up I saw how hard she worked in whatever unit she was in at the hospital. We are very lucky that she chooses to work at the barbecue now, she is amazing with customers and a great colleague.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
In January 2021 I lost my father to suicide, he was always strong physically and mentally, so this was a complete shock. More recently my younger sister passed at the age of 27. It’s been a few years of really great sadness for me, but cooking is therapeutic and helps me to heal.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
Southern hospitality should be protected at all costs! As more people from other places move down south and younger generations are entering the workforce I can see that it is slowly slipping away. It’s what makes NC so unique and what entices people to want to visit here and support our local businesses.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
I don’t believe in giving less than my best especially when it comes to my work, I will always go above and beyond in whatever I do and sometimes that did go unappreciated in the past, that’s why I felt like I should have my own business. If I’m going to work so hard it might as well be directly for myself and my own family.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://simplybarbecue.net
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/simplybarbecue
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/simplybarbecue
Image Credits
Aimee Mestad
Wesley Mintz
Sharon Aragon
Timothy James
