A new venture, a new neighbourhood, and a new rhythm of life. With Awesome Frank’s on the horizon, this conversation explores what inspired the move into a family-run business, how motherhood has reshaped work and priorities, the pride behind building something from the ground up, and hopes for a more supportive hospitality industry. Here, she reflects on community, creativity, and creating space for both business and family life to thrive.
What inspired this new chapter, and how has your past experience shaped how you do things now?
The move was primarily inspired by becoming a mother. During pregnancy, scream had started to move in new directions and I was feeling split. After Frank was born, I realised I needed the freedom to control my own time for his sake. This crystallised the notion that my next venture would be a family owned and operated business and this would spill over into the experience I would hope to offer the customer and employees alike. Parents can visit AF’s knowing that their kids are welcome, occupied whilst they can relax in a non judgemental environment. For employees we want to create a hospitable environment, with an element of flexibility. Life isn’t just about work.
(This is probably the lesson I have learnt from having a business that now has 3 sites!)
Also from the early days of street food, I learnt the value of knowing your customers. You get honest real time feedback which informs the direction you take things in. I’m excited to be back at the coal face.
How has becoming a mother (or balancing motherhood) shaped your relationship with work, and how do you navigate the demands of the food industry with family life?
You learn to accept the all consuming nature of hospitality. It’s not an industry you should get into if driven by money, prestige or fame. You have to love it for its own sake because it can take its toal physically and spiritually. It’s hard not to be obsessed especially when it’s your business. I used to never clock off. But having Frank forced me into the present. So now, when I close the door to my flat, I’ve learned that I have to switch off despite what’s happened in the day. Life is about Lego, superhero’s and who he played with at nursery. It’s grounding.
What’s been your proudest moment since opening Awesome Frank’s?
We haven’t opened yet, but, I’m extremely proud to have secured a coveted site from Nexus and have been able to accrue the funding to realise the project and renovate the site. I couldn’t have done this before scream. I’m not sure I would had the confidence.
Are there any women in food or hospitality who inspire you — whether well-known figures or people you’ve worked with along the way?
The industry is full of incredible women. Some of the most stoic, creative, strong and soft people who are embracing the messiness of life and somehow making it work.
When we opened I Scream on the Quayside Helen Doyle from the 21 group helped us with dessert execution. From the age of 16 she has climbed the ranks of impressive, male dominated kitchens to become the top patisserie chef in the area. I was impressed by her honesty, practicality and great sense of humour.
Internationally, Nancy Silverton is a big role model. How she revolutionised the bread scene in America whilst raising a family is nothing short of extraordinary.
What’s your favourite part of running a neighbourhood spot like Awesome Frank’s — and what does community mean to you in this space?
West Jesmond has such an eclectic community. Frank and I live just over the bridge from the site (the shortest commute to work ever!) I can’t wait to get to know everyone I’m fortunate enough to get through the door. Eventually we plan to have a dining space specifically for families and later an event space for a range of public and private events. Hopefully we can provide something for everyone.
What changes would you love to see in hospitality to better support women, parents, and independent business owners like yourself?
Recently I grabbed a bite to eat from a well known chain in Malaga airport and got chatting to an amazing host who was wonderful with Frank. She disclosed to me that she was pregnant but afraid to tell her boss. Unfortunately there is sometimes a culture in the industry where having children or planning to have them is kept quiet. For too long, there has been a believe that women can’t be as reliable as their male counterparts. I hope this can be changed in the future, that we can find a way to provide flexible carefully planned work schedules for mums (and dads) to facilitate work life balance. It’s time to get creative.
