Personal Chef & Abstract Artist Libby Schmidt

Positively Inspirational

In this monthly series, local realtor Andrea Schutter Riebeling does a Q & A with local business leaders about what inspires them. This month’s interview is with Libby Schmidt of Libby’s Kitchen and Studio of Round Top.

1.) What is your business?

My name is Libby Schmidt, and I am the founder, owner, and operator of Libby’s Kitchen and Studio. I am a personal chef and abstract artist. Primarily offering an 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. food booth during the winter, spring and fall Round Top Antique Shows; as well as year round meal prep, frozen casseroles, break and bake cookies, and private event services for intimate gatherings. I also love to create in my studio using acrylic and resin based paints on canvas. My art is inspired by mother nature and my surroundings. I like to say my food is takeout’s healthful alternative and my art is inspired by life.

2.) How did you get started?

Cooking and creating art has always been a part of me. Both of my parents are great cooks and did so regularly growing up, as did both sides of my extended family. So it was instilled from an early age to get in the kitchen and create. My greatest knowledge in the kitchen came from watching hours and hours of the Food Network as a kid and teen. I know I learned how to make bechamel sauce from watching my TV chefs. In high school I started to make my own recipes as a hungry teen coming home from school, a simple snack just wouldn’t cut it. In college I cooked for my friends any time they would let me. My first job out of college, I hosted many pasta nights for colleagues - I love gathering people together around the table for food and fellowship. Similarly, I have, I chose to take the leap and add my art to my food business. Expanding Libby’s Kitchen to Libby’s Kitchen and Studio.

3.) How long have you been in business?

I started Libby’s Kitchen while living in Orange County California.

I was meal prepping for my household and realized how much I loved cooking and setting people up for success in the kitchen. It is a passion of mine to meal plan, grocery shop, and create healthful and fulfilling meals. In 2017, I recognized the market for meal prep and private event services in Orange County, and Libby’s Kitchen was born. When moving back to Texas in 2021, I decided to expand my business to Libby’s Kitchen and Studio to encompass my studio creations. I have never turned back.

4.) Is this a Family or Female business?

This is a female run business operated by yours truly, it has been a woman’s world (with the exception of my husband who is always willing to lend a hand when needed).

5.) What kind of service do you provide?

I offer private event chef services for intimate gatherings of ~30 or less. We do this with on-site cooking or meal delivery. This can encompass frozen casseroles to fresh custom meals. I also offer vacation rental meals, stock your fridge/freezer meal prep, business meeting snacks, teacher appreciation meal spreads, charcuterie boards, sweet treats, holiday meals, happy hour spreads, and group or individual cooking classes. You can also find my art online at shopart.libbyskitchenandstudio. com, in person during the Round Top Antique Shows.

6.) Tell me something unique about your business?

What makes me unique is that everything I offer is customizable. While I have standard menu offerings and staple styles of art, I am totally open to custom food orders and art commissions. Together, we will collaborate to create exactly what you want. I LOVE it when a client comes to me with an idea.

7.) What is your background?

My background during and right after college (Mays Business School - Texas A&M University) was working at a summer camp and year round retreat center; this taught me hospitality, hard work, and that the greatest asset in life is relationships, relationships, relationships. I moved on to congregational ministry where I learned ingenuity, patience like I had never known, how to lead by example, follow through, and what it really meant to bring a group together around the table. Cooking for my three youth groups on a weekly basis was one of my greatest joys. Pulling together years of practice and decades of Food Network Knowledge, I launched Libby’s Kitchen in 2017.

8.) What do you suggest to others who want to venture out and take a leap of action in the future of their career?

Do it! It is never too late to follow a dream, start a new path, or create the life you have always wanted. I have done it twice, and it hasn’t been easy but it has turned out for the best both times. Starting a new business in 2017, and moving to another state to follow my heart in 2021. If necessary, I encourage you to keep your current job while fleshing out your new plan. Do not be discouraged if everyone doesn’t agree with you. This is not their dream, it’s yours. Some people won’t get it. Take in what they say, but don’t quit if their feedback seems like too much. And when the time is right, take the leap of faith and go for the new job/career. Whether you stay at your current job for a few years and operate your dream on the side (like I did), or are able to move forward 100% with your new venture, both options are viable.