Jen D. Rodriguez shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Jen D., so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
Depends on the job.
If you need a dependable, reliable and skilled chef, then I’m right there. I will chop all day…then saute, roast, grill and build flavors, you name it. Administrative, I dread it.
Often, when tasks become overwhelming or just frustrating to me, I slump inside and subliminally quit or fire myself.
Step back, take a deep breath and rehire myself.
I say, “Jen welcome to 3 small plates catering, tomorrow we’ll starts your onboarding…”
That in itself gets me tickled at myself every time…hahah
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello, I’m Jen D. Rodriguez (Chef JRodi), the founder, owner and executive chef of 3 Small Plates catering, which specializes in chef-curated culinary excursions. A Texas native, I create various flavors and cuisines for guests to enjoy Europe’s visual splendor, borrowing inspiration from my travels to Europe, my family’s experiences, and my passion for cooking. I discovered my passion for cooking as a child while spending time with my grandmother, and I have since served a range of Austin groups, including civic, commercial, and non-profit organizations, private events, art and music markets, and chef collaborations.
Our chef-curated service levels range from plated/served meals to passing bites, satellite stations with chef-interaction-immersions to themed-boxed dinners; bistro meal delivery service + healthy cooking classes, team building culinary competitions, and theme-events to bring people together at the table. Additionally, we have sweet and savory bars that offer a unique experience for special events and occasions, where guests chart their own culinary experience. With every experience, we meet people where they are to serve healthy, nourishing, nutritional small plate meals created with ingredients from many cultures throughout the world.
Currently, at 3 Small Plates, we’ve reimagined our menus to reflect what matters most: vibrant flavors, smart kitchen flow, and thoughtful use of ingredients. This isn’t just food—it’s a strategic rhythm, designed to honor creativity and community.”
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My mom saw me before I even saw myself.
She tells stories of my spirit long before I understood who I was—how she leaned over my bassinet, whispering, “God, I wish she could talk to me and tell me everything.” She laughs now, saying I took that to heart—I’ve never stopped talking since.
She nicknamed me Radio because I was always on, always broadcasting my thoughts into the world.
Years later, as we flipped through old photos, I found my baby book. On the very first page, she had written: “Do whatever makes you happy.” That line stays with me like a guiding star.
I’m happiest when I’m creating—writing, cooking, photographing, digging in the garden, building from scratch. My two greatest assets: m0y hands and my creative mind. Like a radio, they’re always tuned in—always moving, thinking, crafting the next best thing.
When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
When I was sad or scared as a child, I escaped into imagination.
I pictured what might make everything better—living in a castle, owning a business and running it with pride, meeting a famous person and becoming fast friends. I was a daydreamer then, and I still am.
These days, I write. Journaling my thoughts—whether in a notebook or my phone—lets me release the sadness or fear, helping me understand and express those emotions more fully. And sometimes, I go further. I turn those reflections into short stories, weaving truth into fiction with the hope that they might comfort someone else someday.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
What you see is what you get.
I show up the same way at work as I do in life—honest, loyal, and ready to give it my all. I’m a cut-up too; laughter is my lifeline. And if you trust me with a secret, I’ll carry it until forever.
For years, I cooked one way for clients—thoughtful, health-conscious dishes full of care—and another way for my family, often less intentional and nourishing. But that division wore on me. I’ve realized that success, especially in taming stress, needs alignment. So I made a change: no more split selves.
Now, I cook with purpose across the board—healthy, nourishing, delicious meals for all parts of my life. It’s not just better food—it’s a better me. A win-win worth savoring.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. How do you know when you’re out of your depth?
When I’m out of my depth, it feels like I’m fighting a tidal wave, struggling against a force I can’t outrun.
There’s a hollow ache I can’t shake—something feels off. I’ll ask myself, “Where is this coming from?” and search my thoughts for the trigger to shift the tide.
Then I realize: the situation is only temporary, and ‘this too shall pass.’
I’ve learned that if I’m not ready to face the wave now. I have to hold onto my strength and trust that once prepared, I’ll move forward full steam ahead.
Prayer works miracles; it fuels my strength so I can rise above the storm.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://3smallplatescatering.com
- Instagram: @chef_jrodi
- Facebook: @3Splates-catering
Image Credits
Kitchen photo in orange by Joi Conti Photography
All other photos courtesy of 3 Small Plates Catering
