Today we’d like to introduce you to Gwen Workman.
Gwen, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I moved to Plano from Minnesota in 1985. I missed my Scandinavian cultural much. I went to work as an assistant manager in an apartment complex. I was amazed to learn that people are moving here from all over the United States. In the fall I went to the state fair. Here I found the Norwegian Society of Texas. They were there in full force with the Viking ship and members from all over the state of Texas. It was then that I realized I was not the only American of Norwegian decent that had moved to Texas. September 15 in McKinney, Texas, I opened the Wooden Spoon. Here I did a lot of catering and baking. But with each party, the money I made helped buy Scandinavian inventory. I stayed there for 13 months then moved to Plano to a collection of shops at Fairview Farms. In 1992 I purchased the oldest home in Plano, the Forman home. Eight years later the renovations and filth were finally finished. Here we sell the foods and gifts, teach classes in the languages and the arts, have parties and demonstrations, and two of the clubs meet here monthly. It has become a cultural center, of which I am very proud.
Has it been a smooth road?
No it hasn’t been a smooth ride but a real journey. Getting financing was the biggest hurdle. Working with the historic commission and the city was not a problem. We work together very well. I should have gone for financing when I had the idea to open a store. But with my own money, I worked for three years and then went for financing. Of course, my financial picture was not pretty and no one wanted to invest in me. Thanks to friend in the financial world, she was able to get me financing, to get an appraisal and move forward with my project. I bought the house from an estate with the promise that I would get commercial financing within three years. I was able to do it but it was a struggle
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Wooden Spoon – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We sell domestic and imported foods from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland. We teach the languages, the folk painting of Norway, and other arts. We hold demonstrations in how to do some of our specialties. We host an anniversary party each year and a Stella Olson cookie party each December. Two of the clubs meet here each month. We do catering so we have done parties for Christmas, special celebrations and other club meetings.
I am proud that we have created a community where you can come and have any of your questions about Scandinavia answered. We help students of all ages when they’re doing an international day at school, their church or their work. We give tours of the oldest home in Plano while we take them on a short trip to Scandinavia.
I am proud of the fact that this is the only culture that is represented through food and gifts, education and community outreach. It’s a happy environment and welcoming to all those who have moved and been separated from family. They come home for a moment when they enter the Wooden Spoon.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I like the diversity and I like the way the city has set aside a lot of land for parks for families.
The city is growing too fast and traffic is a problem.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.woodenspoonplano.com
- Phone: 972-424-6867
- Email: gwen@woodenspoonplano.com
- Facebook: Wooden Spoon
Image Credit:
J. C. Penney
Gwen Workman
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.
