A Year at Odessa’s: Gratitude & Growth

I don’t feel the sting of a scratch until my hands touch the bleach water. By now, I’m used to it. The griddle has kissed me more times than I can count, and it’s a wonder I still have fingerprints. Something about being a chef makes us believe we were born with built-in oven mitts, lol.

When I peel off my work gear at the end of the day, I can see the evidence of service on my clothes. I don’t feel the gravity of standing until it’s finally time to sit.

Cleavers and the reflection of stainless steel excite me. Ouuu, check out the depth on that casserole dish! And a good Dutch oven? That can make my heart skip.

Cooking is an art. But serving is a gift.

For the past year, I’ve poured myself into something bigger than me. What started as a figment of my imagination has grown into an entire brand — a space where I get to serve, create, and connect.

I’ve been welcomed into communities, using brunch as my peace offering — bearing French toast and cheeses, not wanting much, just a moment that feels like rushing home to show my parents my latest report card. Look what I got!

For a year, I’ve been seen.

Sometimes I’ve overshared, simply because it’s rare to feel like you truly belong. The road to sobriety led me to the kitchen, and I’ve learned there’s underrated healing power in being transparent in a world that often chooses silence.

For a year, I’ve been free to create.
For a year, I’ve been approved… to cook.

There are so many people to thank — some I know by name, others I haven’t yet met but will soon welcome into the Odessa’s family. What you’ve done for this small business has left one of the greatest impressions on my life.

I think “coincidence” is just made-up logic for folks who are too afraid to believe in magic. Every person, every event, every serving… it’s all been written long before we lived it.

Many of you are now saved in my phone by first name, unknowingly voted in as key stakeholders in my story.

This feels good, good people.
This feels so good.

Thank you for one year of the Brunch Bunch — a name you gifted us. Thank you for a year of open invitations into your lives. Thank you for allowing me to serve you.

I don’t think this feeling will ever get old.
I pray it never does.

This feels good.
Change is possible.
God is everything.
Food is fellowship.

With love,
Millie
Owner & Operator, Odessa’s