The “Celebrating Our People” series is aimed at highlighting the many talented employees that make up Proof of the Pudding’s teams across the southeast. We hope you enjoy learning more about our hospitality and culinary POPstars!

CHRISTY HILL
Sous Chef at Georgia Tech

POP:  We’re excited to chat briefly with you today Chef! Share with us, what is the one piece of advice you would share with others at the beginning of their hospitality/catering career?
CHRISTY: I would encourage them to become a sponge and absorb, observe, and learn all that they can, as the mind is a powerful tool.

POP: What values would you say have shaped your life?
CHRISTY: I was always taught to do everything with a spirit of excellence, and that doing good would always return to me in unexpected ways. I was also taught to surround myself with forward-moving, positive people. These values have played a huge part in my success.

POP:  What was your favorite meal as a kid growing up?
CHRISTY: My Mom’s Lasagna. Felt like she was from Italy every time I ate it.

POP:  Who in your life has influenced you the most?
CHRISTY: My late Grandpa Richard. He was the closest man to God in my mind. He made sure that I cared for people from the inside out. He made sure I emphatically loved people back to life. He always challenged me to tap into my life purpose and to stay grounded and believe that not everyone had access to me because I was set aside. He instilled good work ethic in me, and how to have good business dealings with others. He taught me to be unapologetically who I am, and to never wait to be given a seat at the table, but to always bring my own folding chair. He taught me to live life knowing it was not by my own accord, but by a much Higher Power, and that Power deserved reverence every day.

POP:  What is your favorite song lyric or inspirational quote?
CHRISTY: One Minute by Dr. Benjamin E. Mays (Atlanta). It goes:
I have only just a minute,
Only sixty seconds in it.
Forced upon me, can’t refuse it.
Didn’t seek it, didn’t choose it.
But it’s up to me to use it.
I must suffer if I lose it.
Give account if I abuse it.
Just a tiny little minute,
but eternity is in it.

by Kelly Treadway in Team