Enhancing Your Professional Experience with a Culinary Arts Degree

New Orleans native Jauna Wesson now calls Gulfport, Mississippi home, but knew that her passion for cooking and entertaining would bring her back to Bayou State. That destination was the premier culinary school in the South, Louisiana Culinary Institute. Jauna is currently in the savory program at LCI with plans to pursue a second degree in hospitality and culinary management. This education, combined with her over 27 years of professional experience in the industry, will help her open her own banquet hall and event planning venue.

Jauna has been in and around the kitchen since she was six years old. Learning the technical reasons behind the generational cooking methods she grew up with has been enlightening. “Learning the reasons behind how things are done in the kitchen, as parts of recipes, has been interesting. Finding out why my Mom and Grandmother did things a certain has been rewarding,” says Jauna. 

On the other side, math has been challenging. “It’s not just converting.” The business math taught at LCI, as well as the other mathematical applications in the curriculum, are in place to make sure that each student is ready with the right skills to go into the workplace. 

“Jauna has been able to catch on and execute what is asked of her. She is a very fast learner and has been a complete joy in my classroom!” says LCI Instructor, David Rodriguez.

Jauna wants to offer a one-stop shop for brides, as well as other events. “My big focus is to have a lovely building in a nice area where we can offer food, drinks, decorations, flowers, and event planning.” Her desire to host, plan, and help create lasting memories is the vision for her business after completing her degrees at LCI. “I want to provide a wonderful experience for people.”