Hidden Gems: Meet Brittany Turner of Sprouts & Spice Academy and Soul House & Gardens

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Turner

Hi Brittany, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have been working in the culinary industry for nearly 20 years, driven by a passion for cooking and a desire to make a difference through food. Over the years, I gained extensive experience working in various kitchens and honing my culinary skills. My career has included notable roles at the Ritz Carlton and with the Carolina Panthers, as well as serving as a General Manager for a corporate café. Through these experiences, I had developed a deep understanding of the culinary industry and a vision for the future.

In 2017, I took a leap of faith and founded Sprouts & Spice Agricultural Academy, originally called Little Musical Chefs, where I taught younger kids from 2-10 years old. However, during the pandemic in 2020, I transitioned to teaching as a high school Foods teacher and discovered that the current curriculum had remained unchanged since I was in high school. Recognizing a greater need for updated and expanded education for older kids, I rebranded the academy to focus on middle and high school students, teaching them the fundamentals of culinary arts, nutrition, and agriculture. Our program engages students in hands-on activities such as planting, gardening, harvesting, and cooking, fostering a deep understanding and appreciation for fresh, nutritious food. We place a special emphasis on reaching underserved communities, ensuring that all children have access to food literacy and healthy eating habits.

In 2022, I founded Soul House & Gardens, a luxury catering company specializing in intimate, corporate, and luxury catering services. Our focus is on creating unique, flavorful, and elegant dishes that provide a memorable culinary experience for our clients.

One of my most cherished projects is Soulful Seeds: Cultivating Community Through Food and Film, which aims to build community connections through agriculture, food, and storytelling. This project has allowed me to blend my culinary skills with my passion for education and community service, creating a platform for dialogue, learning, and growth.

My journey has been filled with both challenges and triumphs, each step reinforcing my commitment to using food as a tool for positive change. I am immensely grateful for the support of my family, team, and the community, and I look forward to continuing this journey, making a meaningful impact through both Sprouts & Spice Agricultural Academy and Soul House & Gardens.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey has definitely had its share of bumps and challenges. Starting and running two businesses, Sprouts & Spice Agricultural Academy and Soul House & Gardens, has been incredibly rewarding but also demanding.

One of the main struggles has been balancing my time and energy between these ventures while also ensuring that each one receives the attention it needs to thrive. Managing the logistics of a luxury catering company and an educational academy simultaneously requires meticulous planning and a dedicated team. Additionally, being a mom of three energetic boys adds another layer of responsibility, requiring me to constantly juggle my professional and personal commitments.

The challenge of juggling being a serial entrepreneur and building businesses while also being a dedicated mother has been significant. Finding that balance between nurturing my family and growing my businesses has required a lot of flexibility, determination, and support from my loved ones. My partner has been a tremendous support and has played a crucial role in shaping our companies, bringing his unique perspective and expertise to the table.

Another significant challenge was the pandemic. When COVID-19 hit, it disrupted our usual operations and forced us to rethink our approach. For Sprouts & Spice Agricultural Academy, I had to transition from teaching younger kids under the original name, Little Musical Chefs, to focusing on middle and high school students. The shift involved updating the curriculum to meet the needs of older students and addressing the lack of current, relevant content in high school Foods classes. This required a complete rebranding and restructuring of the academy, which was no small feat.

Additionally, the pandemic brought about financial uncertainties and logistical hurdles. Ensuring the safety of our students and staff, adapting to virtual learning environments, and maintaining engagement were all new challenges we had to navigate. For Soul House & Gardens, the luxury catering industry was hit hard as events were canceled or postponed. We had to innovate and find new ways to serve our clients while adhering to safety protocols.

Despite these challenges, each obstacle has taught me valuable lessons and strengthened my resolve. I’ve learned the importance of adaptability, resilience, and staying true to my mission of providing quality education and memorable culinary experiences. The support from my family, team, and community has been instrumental in overcoming these hurdles and continuing to grow both businesses.

While the road has not been smooth, it has been an incredible journey filled with growth, learning, and the satisfaction of making a positive impact.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Sprouts & Spice Agricultural Academy and Soul House & Gardens, we are passionate about creating meaningful experiences through food, education, and community engagement.

Sprouts & Spice Agricultural Academy focuses on teaching middle and high school students the fundamentals of culinary arts, nutrition, and agriculture. Our programs engage students in hands-on activities such as planting, gardening, harvesting, and cooking. We partner with organizations, schools, and community groups, particularly those serving underserved communities, to bring our educational programming to a broader audience. To date, we are proud to have taught over 600 students, ensuring that our impact is widespread and accessible, fostering food literacy and healthy eating habits among children who need it the most. We emphasize the importance of sustainable agriculture and the joy of growing and cooking your own food. We believe in empowering the next generation with the knowledge and skills they need to make healthier choices and appreciate the value of fresh, homegrown food. One of the things I’m most proud of is how we’ve adapted our curriculum to stay relevant and impactful, especially during the pandemic. Our students not only learn practical skills but also develop a deeper connection to the food system and their community.

Soul House & Gardens is a luxury catering company that specializes in creating unique, flavorful, and elegant dishes for intimate, corporate, and luxury events. Our focus is on providing a memorable culinary experience that delights the senses. What sets us apart is our dedication to quality and personalization. We take pride in using the finest ingredients and crafting menus that reflect our clients’ tastes and preferences. Our services include plated dinners, corporate catering and even team-building cooking classes, all designed to create memorable and engaging culinary experiences. Whether it’s a private dinner party, a corporate event, or a grand celebration, we strive to exceed expectations and create moments that guests will cherish.

Both of our brands are deeply rooted in a love for food and community. We aim to inspire, educate, and bring people together through our offerings. Our services are designed to be more than just a meal or a class; they are experiences that foster connection, learning, and enjoyment.

What I want readers to know about our brands is that we are dedicated to making a positive impact. Whether through teaching children valuable life skills or creating unforgettable dining experiences, we are committed to excellence and community. Our journey has been shaped by passion, resilience, and a desire to give back, and we are excited about the future possibilities for both Sprouts & Spice Agricultural Academy and Soul House & Gardens.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love most about Raleigh is the vibrant culinary landscape. The city is brimming with passionate food enthusiasts, talented chefs, and a diverse array of restaurants that celebrate different cultures and cuisines. There’s always something new to discover, from farm-to-table dining experiences to local farmers’ markets that offer fresh, seasonal produce.

However, what I find challenging about our city is the struggle to build a cohesive sense of community. While Raleigh has many wonderful aspects, there seems to be a gap in creating spaces and opportunities for people to come together and connect on a deeper level. This is particularly evident in the disparity in access to fresh, healthy food in certain underserved communities. While the city has a flourishing food scene, not everyone has the same level of access to nutritious food options.

This challenge highlights the importance of our work at Sprouts & Spice Agricultural Academy, where we strive to bridge this gap by providing food education and resources to those who need it most. We partner with community organizations to bring our programs to various communities, ensuring that our impact is widespread and accessible. Our goal is to foster a stronger sense of community through shared experiences and educational opportunities centered around food and agriculture.

Overall, Raleigh is a city with incredible potential and a rich culinary culture. By working together and focusing on building stronger community connections, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sproutsandspiceacademy.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sproutsnspice/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sproutsnspiceacademy