25 Women for 2024: Restaurateur Teresa Nix puts care into catering, community
Teresa Nix has a Master's degree in Public Administration and is just one dissertation away from a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership Administration, but she’s happiest in the role she took on full-time in 2017 — caterer and restaurateur. “I took that leap of faith, as they say, but it worked.”
Her contributions as a local business owner, volunteer, and mentor have made her one of Tallahassee’s 25 Women You Need to Know for 2024.
Initially located on Crawfordville Highway, Catering with Care was a popular eatery on the southwest side of town where Teresa, her husband Joe, and their family-like team served up Southern soul and comfort food for hungry Tallahasseeans.
But Nix had a vision for growth and expansion, leading to a move to South Monroe Street and finally to the heart of the city in Klemen Plaza as JoEllen's.
Here, they made history as the first and only Black-owned business in the area. “As a business owner I am inspired by the customers who are intentional in selecting our establishment,” she said. “Providing our customers with quality service is always my intent. I genuinely want the best experience for them. I do it because I care.”
Nix brings the same commitment to everything she does, demonstrating her leadership and service mentality as a member of the American Business Women's Association (AWBA) Silver Dome Chapter, the Rotary Club of Tallahassee Southside, and the School Advisory Council of Oak Ridge Elementary School.
Nix jumps right in wherever she sees an opportunity to help. Upon joining the American Business Women’s Association, she immediately began serving on the Executive Board of the local chapter, quickly standing out as a leader and being elected as president of the organization.
Under her leadership the ABWA created the Adopt-A-Precinct program, serving as poll workers at the Towne East Baptist Church polling location and donating their stipend to the organization’s scholarship fund. She helped institute the first “Mother Son Gala” in the area, as another scholarship fundraiser.
“It was at The Moon, just bringing together moms and sons to provide a space for them to cultivate their relationship and connect with each other,” she said. Nix was recognized twice as the Chapter's Woman of the Year and under her leadership the local chapter received its first and only Best Practices award, a national recognition for the chapter.
As a member of the Rotary Club of Tallahassee Southside, she began serving as treasurer shortly after joining the organization, assisting with the chapter’s Community Diabetes Health & Wellness Fair, Mother Son Dance, and Community Thanksgiving Dinner.
“I enjoy being able to use my accounting background to help organizations streamline their processes,” Nix said.
She steps up when others need help, recently helping a local youth organization find a space for a business etiquette class because she remembers what it was like to need help. “I remember being at formal dinners at FAMU and not being sure what to do,” she said. “I know that will be a great program for them!”
It’s this kind of community spirit and hospitality that makes Nix someone worth knowing. But she’s humble, explaining that she just enjoys being part of the action. “Like many, I just enjoy spending time with my family,” Nix said. “We're together so often through work but it never gets old.”
She truly blooms where she is planted, living in the moment and appreciating her blessings. “My favorite aspect of life in Tallahassee is its moderate pace. Tallahassee is slow enough to enjoy canopy roads, walks along the beach, country living and just good ol' southern charm and fast enough to provide a variety of opportunities,” she said.
“There is more than enough opportunity for everyone to succeed. Tallahassee is my birthplace and the birthplace of my absolute favorite things: my education, my family, my friendships, all that I am.”
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: 25 Women for 2024: Teresa Nix cares about catering, community
