Kim Herard can trace her success in the catering industry to time well spent as a child with her grandmother. In fact, she says cooking Thanksgiving dinner by herself at the age of 12 was a significant milestone for her passion for cooking.
"I learned at the feet of my grandmother Gloria," Herard said. "She was an exceptional cook and an even better baker. Being from Louisiana, she taught me Southern-style and Cajun cooking. To this day, if you can put bacon grease in it, I’ll cook it, and most things I prepare have a little Cajun influence in them."
According to a Midland College news release, Herard runs Indulgence Catering Co with her husband, Wes. The company consists of full-service catering, along with a venue for events under the moniker, the Hall at Briarwood. The facility recently underwent an expansion to include outside seating for brunch and patrons to enjoy Friday evenings.
"I didn’t immediately start my career with catering and event venue services," Herard added. "Even though I knew from the time I was 12 that I wanted to work in the food industry, it wasn’t immediately apparent as to exactly what that would look like."
The Midland native graduated from Lee High School (now Legacy High School) in 2004, according to the news release. Before attending Le Cordon Bleu School of Culinary Arts in Austin, she studied at Midland College where she was a member of the cheer team from 2004-2006 and credits her time at the school to helping her "grow up."