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Busy Life, Happy Life Photos submitted by Jessica Clearwater
Moondance Catering Owner Has Passion for the Industry In retrospect, the path to being a chef and owner of a catering business has been a constant in the life of Jessica “Jess” Clearwater, owner of Moondance Catering in Blowing Rock. Though, the journey was not always a straight one that goes from Point A to Point B. Jess admits it took a while to realize what her life’s work would be. But now when speaking with Jess, her excitement about what she does is evident by her smile and the sparkle in her blue eyes.
Moving to the High Country When Jess enrolled in the Culinary Arts program at Central Piedmont Community College, she had landed on what would become the mainstay. Yet, it still would be some years before she found her niche. After getting a degree in Culinary Arts from CPCC, at the encouragement
of one of her long-lasting mentors Bill Bullock, an instructor in the program, she moved to Boone and completed a business degree in Hospitality and Management at Appalachian State University. Like many, she has stayed ever since. For a couple of years, Jess pieced together a few different jobs to make a living, such as managing the restaurant Twigs and bartending at Woodlands. Continued on next page July-August 2021 | 33
