Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Penrod.
Sarah, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’m a 7th generation Texan, chef, and mom who was born into the restaurant and hospitality industry.
I spent my childhood cooking good southern food from-scratch, with my grandparents in a little house near Denton, Texas. In my 20’s I graduated from Le Cordon Bleu and apprenticed at a 4-star restaurant on the Riverwalk in San Antonio… not long afterwards I was asked to audition to be Tony Parker and Eva Longoria’s private chef, and subsequently won the position.
From there, life exploded with opportunity! I was invited to the White House for the Chef’s Move to School’s Initiative and served as Texas Media Ambassador until my first son was born. I moved to Houston and was scouted to do Food Network Star which filmed Spring 2014. I came in 4th place and have been steadily filming with some of the biggest production companies in the world ever since,
In May 2017, I released my first cookbook, The Urban Cowgirl, which became an Amazon bestseller and have been on a year-long book and food tour. I have a Youtube channel where I chronicle food and life from Dallas, Texas, a southwestern food blog at UrbanCowgirlLife.com, a long list of exciting Texas clients such as Tyler Seguin, Andy Dalton, and many of the “Strait Lane Billionaires”.
This year, I’ll be returning back to the little screen, with my favorite tv network… but shhh, that’s a secret!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road to success is never smooth, but it certainly molds us into who we need to be to overcome the next series of life’s challenges. I believe that God never sets us up to fail, but he does set us up to grow.
The Urban Cowgirl – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Urban Cowgirl specializes in Texas food and culture. We are known for excellent recipes, beautiful food photography, and collaborating on media that effectively captures the spirit and attention of those living in the southwest.
We are set apart primarily in our specific branding. I can’t count the number of times another celebrity chef or wanna-be food producer warned me against having such a specific brand, but I’ve seen nothing but steady growth because of this strategy.
Bobby Flay once told me, “if you’re for everybody, you’re for nobody.” When your brand is specific about your intentions and authority in the media arena, the audience responds… and that’s what keeps bigger brands and media outlets coming back to work with you again.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is finding happiness on the journey, and not just at the destination.
(Also chips and queso) 🙂
Contact Info:
- Website: UrbanCowgirlLife.com
- Email: Sarah@chefforlife.com
- Instagram: SarahPenrod
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SarahPenrodChef/
- Twitter: @chefforlife
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/TheUrbanCowgirl
Image Credit:
Sarah Penrod, Tracy Liggett
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
