Starla Loyd, Indianapolis

I am really excited to be a part of Business Fellows and the partnership with Indiana Foodways Alliance.

I learned of the Indiana Foodways Alliance Business Fellows project through my department. As a telecommunications student, I receive e-mails from faculty members that inform us about future jobs and internships. To make a long story short, I ran across the e-mail about this project and immediately decided it would be amazing to write stories about food in Indiana. I replied back stating that I would love to work for Business Fellows.

After having my interview and learning a brief summary of what we would have to accomplish, I realized that this would be a great opportunity to meet new people and network for future job opportunities.

Growing up, my Father was more of the cook in my family. I remember sharing special times with him in the kitchen. Once for my birthday we made pizza from scratch. He also shared his special recipe of green peppers and hamburgers with me.

My Father loved to watch “Emeril” on the Food Network. Living with my Father, we would watch the Food Network and go back and forth with the History Channel. We would watch “Emeril” and other food network television shows. I remember my father in the kitchen pretending to act like Emeril, yelling “bam” when he would add a spice.

From time to time I watch the Food Network Channel. I love the reality game show called “Best Chief.” They use spices I have never heard of.

My maternal Grandmother also loves the kitchen and loves to cook. Watching her spice up a can of glory greens is an adventure. Her glory greens are the best greens in the whole world. The aroma of food from my Grandma’s kitchen brings back wonderful memories.

My favorite food is greens. Spices melted into some collard greens is something I crave. I also love grilled chicken breast. I love grapes, watermelon and many other fruits. Sometimes I crave a hamburger. I also love green beans, broccoli and corn on the cob. I like corn bread, but only from my Father's corn bread. I also enjoy chocolate cake and ice cream called “Death by Chocolate,” and it was the best thing ever!

Growing up around my Father or my Grandmother always meant food – maybe too much food. This past summer, I took action to balance my enjoyment of delicious food, and I started exercising. I lost about 30 pounds. I didn’t starve myself like most women my age. I ate well-balanced meals and at times enjoyed some dessert.